Synthbits: Audio and Video of the Classic VL1 Virtual Acoustic Synthesizer

Written by Blake Angelos on . Posted in 1990s.

The VL1 is best played using a breath controller like the BC2 or BC3, and how it responds to breath input is unlike any other electronic musical instrument. For example, blowing slowly and then gradually increasing the speed and amount of breath into a connected breath controller produces an entirely different response then playing in a short, tongued staccato manner. That input – coupled with the other physical controllers (like the ever important third modulation wheel) – allow for a different level of expressiveness. The VL1 was the first commercially available physical modeling synthesizer and it represented a significant step forward in synthesis technology. For a nice overview on physical modeling synthesis go here.   

Check out the videos below:
– The first one is from the great Katsunori Ujiie demonstrating some of the classic Voices of the VL1.
– The second is an excerpt from a 1994 National Public Radio interview with Phil “Bad Mister” Clendeninn.
– Lastly, there is a short musical demo I created using the VL1 with the original MOTIF Synthesizer. The VL Voice I start with is called “Floboe” – a virtual instrument with the attack and harmonics of a flute and the timbre of an oboe. Listen later in the piece where I changed to the Soprano Sax Voice.

Enjoy!


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Mastering MONTAGE: Inside the Performance Video Series

Written by Blake Angelos on . Posted in MONTAGE.


Part I: Single Instrument, Multi-Part Performance concept inside the MONTAGE Music Synthesizer

This video explores the MONTAGE Performance, “CFX Concert”- a meticulous re-creation of the Yamaha CFX 9′ concert grand piano. Blake discusses how each Part of the Performance reproduces exceptional dynamic and expressive sound: 


Part II: The Super Knob

The Super Knob is a powerful macro control of the MONTAGE Motion Control Synthesis engine. Blake discusses how the Super Knob simulates proximity effect on the MONTAGE Performance “CFX Concert”. This is done by moving multiple parameters at the same time for a musical, dynamic and expressive result:


Part III: Introducing Gallery Performances

Gallery Performances provide a “Gallery” or “collection” of instruments running into a single amp – or – the same instrument running into a variety of amps. ”Gallery Performances can utilize different Parts of a Performance as different instruments or they can contain different versions of the same instrument. In this video, Blake highlights the Gallery Performance “Rd 1 Gallery”, a 5-Part Performance with four different historical iterations of the Rhodes™ electronic piano. The video also shows how the Audition button provides insight on using a Performance:


Part IV: Gallery Performances and Scenes

Blake shows how Scenes can select and mute Parts in a Gallery Performance. Exploring the “8 Amps and a TC” Performance, he shows how each Part has different effects applied to the same guitar. Blake also explores his User Performance “Blake’s Gig Gallery.” This Performance has typical gig instruments assigned to each Part and selectable via the Scene buttons – perfect for playing an entire gig in a single Performance:

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And stay tuned – more video series are available – with more coming soon!

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