Classic Synths for FREE???

Summary

This video explores the accessibility of classic synthesizers through emulation, focusing on the authenticity and legality of such recreations. It discusses the Motorola DSP 56300 series, the technology behind iconic virtual analog synths, and how recent advancements have made these emulations viable for professional use. The video also delves into the technical and legal aspects of obtaining and using copyrighted firmware for these synthesizers, and compares the emulations to original hardware, highlighting the potential for both preservation and innovation in music production.

Takeaways

• 🎹 Access to classic synthesizers like Access Virus and Waldorf Micro Q has become easier due to authentic recreations available for free.
• 🔍 These recreations are not imitations but almost 100% authentic, designed to be used within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
• 🤔 The video explores the authenticity of these claims and compares them to original instruments, questioning potential legal issues.
• 📚 '90s kids might have wished for industry-standard VA synths like Nord Lead, Waldorf Q, and Access Virus, which were limited by budget.
• 💾 The synthesizers are based on the Motorola DSP 56300 series, and emulations have reached a level of maturity for professional use.
• 🌐 The most comprehensive source for these emulators is DSP 56300 WordPress, offering information and downloads for various platforms.
• 🚫 Technically and legally tricky to obtain the copyrighted firmware of the instruments, some of which are available on manufacturer websites.
• 🛠️ Installing the emulation plugin is easy, but Apple users may need to do some terminal hacking to get it running.
• 🎵 The emulation's sound quality is comparable to the hardware original, with some minor differences due to hardware components.
• 💻 The video discusses the performance of the emulation in a DAW environment, noting CPU consumption and polyphony capabilities.
• 🤝 The video concludes with a call for a solution that benefits synth enthusiasts, manufacturers, and emulator developers alike.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video discusses the ease of access to classic synthesizers, such as the Access Virus range and Waldorf Micro Q, through emulations that are almost 100% authentic recreations available for free use within a DAW.

What is the significance of the Motorola DSP 56300 series in the context of the video?

The Motorola DSP 56300 series is significant because it is the microprocessor technology upon which the emulated synthesizers are based. These synthesizers, despite being different, share this common technology for their sound generation.

What are the two things required to emulate vintage gaming consoles in the context of synthesizers?

To emulate vintage gaming consoles for synthesizers, one needs a 100% legal emulator that replaces the DSP and includes a tailored UI for the specific synthesizer, and the original copyrighted firmware of the instrument.

Why might obtaining the firmware for the synthesizers be legally tricky?

Obtaining the firmware for the synthesizers can be legally tricky because it involves copyrighted material. While some ROMs are publicly available, others might require finding unpack apps or accessing them through unofficial means, which could potentially infringe on copyright laws.

How does the video guide users to install the emulation plugin?

The video guides users to install the emulation plugin by placing the synth firmware (usually a .bin or .mid file) in the same folder as the plugin, with the location of these folders depending on the operating system and plugin standard.

What is the role of the digital SPD connectivity in the comparison between the software and hardware synthesizers?

Digital SPD connectivity is used to ensure a fair comparison between the software and hardware synthesizers by eliminating variables like digital-to-analog conversion from the equation.

How does the video address the performance of the emulated synthesizer in a DAW environment?

The video addresses the performance by comparing the emulated synthesizer to the hardware original, noting that the sounds are not identical but very close, and discussing CPU consumption and polyphony limitations.

What is the stance of the video on the legality and ethics of using these emulations?

The video is cautious about the legality and ethics of using these emulations, acknowledging the potential copyright issues and the need for a solution that satisfies all parties involved, including synth enthusiasts, original manufacturers, and emulator developers.

What is the video's opinion on the broader implications of these emulations for the music industry?

The video suggests that these emulations make legendary tones available to a broader public and could be beneficial for preserving these sounds for future generations, similar to the discussion around old game console ROMs.

How does the video conclude its discussion on the emulations of classic synthesizers?

The video concludes by expressing a desire for a solution that allows access to these great-sounding engines while minimizing economic downsides for manufacturers and supporting innovation in emulation technology.

Outlines

00:00

🎹 Access to Classic Synthesizers: A New Era

This video explores the ease of accessing classic synthesizers like the Access Virus range and Valo Micro Q. These are not mere imitations but almost 100% authentic recreations available for free use within your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). The video aims to verify these claims, compare them to newer instruments, and discuss potential legal issues. It reminisces about the '90s when industry-standard virtual analog synths were financially inaccessible. The video discusses how these synths, despite their differences, share the same microprocessor technology, the Motorola DSP 56300 series. The DSP emulations have matured to a point where they are usable in professional music production. The video guides viewers on how to obtain legal emulators and firmware, and how to install and use these plugins, with a cautionary note on the legalities of firmware acquisition. It concludes with a sound demonstration and a comparison of the emulation to the original hardware, highlighting the emulation's capabilities and limitations.

05:02

🔍 Emulation vs. Hardware: A Comprehensive Comparison

The second paragraph delves into the technical aspects and performance of the emulated synthesizers compared to their hardware counterparts. It acknowledges the role of converter technology and analog output stages in the quality of sound, especially for synthesizers based on the 56300 series. The video discusses the use of overclocking techniques in the design of the emulated Access Virus TI, allowing for higher sample rates than the original hardware. The polyphony of the hardware instrument is contrasted with the dynamic polyphony of the emulation, which can reach over 100 voices depending on settings. The video also addresses the challenges in performance comparison due to CPU consumption spikes when the plugin is idle. It expresses a conflicted view on the emulation of discontinued hardware, appreciating the availability of legendary tones to a broader audience while also considering the economic implications for manufacturers. The video concludes by suggesting a solution that could satisfy synth enthusiasts, manufacturers, and emulator developers, though it acknowledges the complexity of such a resolution.

Keywords

💡Classic synthesizers

Classic synthesizers refer to iconic electronic musical instruments from the past that have become highly sought after for their unique sound and design. In the video, the speaker discusses the ease of access to these synthesizers, like the Access Virus range or Waldorf Micro Q, which were once industry standards but are now available as authentic recreations in digital audio workstations (DAWs).

💡Virtual Analog Sims

Virtual Analog Sims, or VA Sims, are software emulations of analog synthesizers that attempt to replicate the sound and behavior of classic analog synthesizers using digital signal processing. The video highlights that these emulations are not mere imitations but are almost 100% authentic recreations, providing a similar experience to using the original hardware.

💡DSP 56300

The Motorola DSP 56300 series is a microprocessor used in the design of several classic synthesizers. The video explains that these synthesizers, despite their differences, share the same underlying technology. Emulations of this DSP have reached a level of maturity that allows for professional music production, making classic synthesizers more accessible.

💡Emulator

An emulator is a software or hardware system that mimics the functions of another system. In the context of the video, an emulator replaces the DSP 56300 and comes with a user interface tailored to the specific synthesizer. The video discusses the legal and technical aspects of using emulators to recreate the experience of classic synthesizers.

💡Firmware

Firmware refers to the software that provides the instructions for a hardware device. In the video, the original, copyrighted firmware of the synthesizers is necessary for the emulator to function correctly. The video touches on the legal considerations of obtaining and using this firmware, which is crucial for the emulation process.

💡Polyphony

Polyphony is the number of notes a synthesizer can play simultaneously. The video discusses the polyphony of the emulated synthesizers and compares it to the original hardware, noting that the emulated version can have a higher polyphony count due to the nature of digital processing.

💡CPU consumption

CPU consumption refers to the amount of processing power required by a software application. The video mentions that the emulated synthesizer plugin has modest CPU consumption during MIDI playback but can experience spikes when idle, which is an important consideration for users when running multiple instances or complex patches.

💡Overclocking

Overclocking is the practice of increasing the clock rate of a microprocessor to exceed that certified by the manufacturer. The video notes that the Access Virus TI synthesizer uses overclocking techniques, which are also available in the emulation, allowing for higher sample rates not possible on the original hardware.

💡Digital to Analog Conversion

Digital to Analog Conversion (DAC) is the process of converting digital signals into analog signals. The video mentions that for the comparison between the software and hardware synthesizers, digital to analog conversion variables were taken out of the equation to ensure a fair comparison of the core sound generation capabilities.

💡Preservation

Preservation in the context of the video refers to the act of keeping classic synthesizers' sounds and technology accessible for future generations. The video discusses the value of emulation for preserving the legacy of these instruments, especially as the original hardware becomes rare or discontinued.

💡Economic downsides

Economic downsides refer to the potential financial impact on the original manufacturers of synthesizers if their products are emulated and made freely available. The video acknowledges the need to find a balance that allows enthusiasts access to these sounds while not harming the interests of the original creators and manufacturers.

Highlights

Access to classic synthesizers has become easier with authentic recreations available for free.

These synthesizers are not imitations but almost 100% authentic recreations.

The recreations can be run inside your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

Comparisons will be made with recent original instruments to verify claims.

The video discusses the legality of using these recreations.

Many '90s industry standard VA synthesizers were based on the Motorola DSP 56300 series.

Emulations of these DSPs have reached a level of maturity suitable for professional music production.

DSP 56300 wordpress.com is a comprehensive source for information and applications.

Two things are needed for emulations: a legal emulator and the copyrighted firmware of the instrument.

Some ROMs are publicly available, but it's not legally advisable to provide detailed information on how to find them.

Installing the emulation plugin is easy, but Apple users may need to do some hacking.

The plugin itself won't make sound until the synth firmware is placed in the same folder.

The emulation's sound quality is at least on par with many contemporary software instruments.

A comparison between the software and hardware versions shows very similar sound quality.

The emulation can be played at higher sample rates not available on the original hardware.

Polyphony on the hardware instrument is dynamic, with the software version showing modest CPU consumption.

The video explores the ethical and legal implications of recreating hardware instruments.

The discussion includes the potential for preserving these instruments for future generations.

The video concludes with a call for a solution that satisfies synth enthusiasts, manufacturers, and emulator developers.

Transcripts

hey everybody in this video we are going

to talk about how easy it has become to

get access to Classic synthesizers like

the entire wirus range or valo micro Q

keep in mind that these are not some

half-baked imitations of the iconic

virtual analog Sims but almost 100%

authentic Recreations that are available

free of charge to be run inside your Daw

we will take a look at whether all these

claims are true compare it to one of the

more recent original instruments and try

to find out if all this might even be

illegal if you are like me a '90s kid

chances are that you had a wish list of

Industry standard VA Sims that were off

limits budget wise Nord leads and

modulus valof q and microwave all

viruses cor ms2000 and Novation novas

you might be surprised to hear that

these profoundly different instruments

are code and physical UI designed based

on the same microprocessor technology

the Motorola DSP

56300 series while computer emulations

of these dsps have been around for a

while now they have just recently

reached a level of maturity that makes

them conveniently usable in a

professional music production

environment the most comprehensive

source of information and ready to use

applications is DSP

56300 wordpress.com where you can find

in-depth information and downloads for

all major platforms and standards quite

similar to emulations of wintage gaming

consoles you need two things the 100%

legal emulator which not only replaces

the DSP but also comes with a tailor

made UI for the specific synthesizer and

and this is where it might get a bit

tricky both technically and legally the

original and of course copyrighted

firmware of the instrument some of these

ROMs are publicly available on the

manufacturer's website in the case of

this beautiful wirus TI It is part of a

larger software download that requires

you to a register one of their products

and B find an unpack app that does the

trick it is not legally advisable to

give more information on how to find

these firmwares but the aforementioned

9s kids among you will find a way

installing the ulation plug-in itself is

super easy barely an inconvenience but

Apple users will have to do some well

documented low-level hacking in the

terminal as you might have already

figured out the plugin itself will not

make any sound the synth firmware which

is usually a bin or mid file needs to be

placed in the same folder as the plugin

location of these folders depend on your

operating system and the plug-in

standard you are using rescan your

plug-in folder except the usual terms

and agreements when opening the plugin

for the first time locate the preset

folder if necessary and you're good to

go

[Music]

[Music]

nice these were just a few of the sounds

many musicians and producers get VA

Classics like a virus 4 especially in

the case of the ti here the versatility

and sound quality of the engine is at

least on par with many contemporary

software instruments let's do a quick

comparison with the hardware original

have a look at how the emulation

performs in a Daw environment and try to

find out if there are any quirks and

limitations you should know about in

order to make the comparison between the

software and Hardware wirus as accurate

as possible I was using the digital SPD

connectivity of the

[Music]

ti this not only allows us to take

variables like digital analog conversion

out of of the equation I also opted for

the hardware synth as a clock

[Music]

source as expected the sounds are not pH

identical presumably because of the free

floating vcos and lfos but I would be

hard pressed to tell them apart start in

a blind

[Music]

test be aware of the fact that converter

technology and the analog side of the

output stage might play a bigger role

when it comes to other 56 300 based

synthesizers though AIS made use of

overclocking techniques when designing

the ti you can activate this in the

emulation too and super interesting play

it at higher sample rates not available

on the original polyphony on the

hardware instrument is dynamic with a

maximum voice count of over 100

depending on factors like Unison

settings and FX configurations so a

direct performance comparison isn't easy

I was able to play five instances of a

classic wirus pad with 12 voices each on

a humble Mech mini M1 amounting to a

total polyphony count of 60

but was running into issues when adding

more as it seems CPU consumption is

rather modest during midi playback but

massive spikes tends to occur when the

plug-in is Idle feel free to leave a

comment about how it performs on your

system especially in a Windows or Linux

environment I am torn when it comes to

projects like this I like the idea of

being able to easily Rec create the

actual Hardware of an instrument not

only because it makes legendary tones

available to a broader public but quite

similar to the current discussion about

the availability of old game console

ROMs also for preserving them for future

Generations it is easy to make an

argument for this in the case of the

access virus range as all these sins

have been discontinued and the

manufacturers Focus lies on completely

different products at the moment I

reached out to them for an official

statement but haven't received an answer

yet however a manufacturer like Valor is

still a strong player in the synth game

and just recently dropped a plug-in

version of one of their Classics it

would be great to find a solution that

satisfies all parties involved granting

synth enthusiasts access to these great

sounding engines limiting the economic

downsides for the original manufacturers

and helping the people behind the

emulators to push forward innovation in

that field but that's maybe a bit too

much to ask from a simple meme video

thanks for watching and see you next

time hey guys I hope you enjoyed the

video feel free to like subscribe become

a patreon and use one of the links down

below that support the channel

regardless of what your guests command

you to

[Music]

buy thanks to all my patrons for

supporting the channel and welcome to

the monthly vood shout outs Spectra

walks might be the best Mo for citr but

it's certainly not my favorite Voda

fortunately there's subtitles tier four

[Music]

[Music]

Happ

[Applause]

[Music]

[Music]

well it's analog and 700 bucks so it

must be good tier

six again thank you so much for

supporting the channel see you next

month