The Roland Paraphonic 505 - A Rare Synth Delicacy

Музыка

A synth a lot of people have requested that I finally managed to borrow! Thank you to the owner.
The RS-505 or Paraphonic-505 was released in 1978 and was so called because it could make numerous sounds in parallel. The term "paraphonic" has been reappropriated in recent years to refer to instruments (like the 505) that were polyphonic, but that only had one filter and one amp.
Here's Marc Doty's series on synthesizer polyphony that I mention:
• A History of Synthesiz...
In this video I go through the sounds and make a full track with it, but also discuss my thoughts about whether it warrants the high prices it now commands.
If you like the end song, it's available here: alexball.bandcamp.com/track/r...
I mentioned Anders forgot he owned an MP-600 and so he made this: • Roland MP-600 Electric...
0:00 Intro
0:53 Bass Sounds
3:02 What Roland meant by "Paraphonic"
5:06 Polyphonic Sounds
6:53 All Sounds Together
7:35 External Audio
8:02 Thoughts & Summary
10:36 Contextual Demonstration
Gear Used:
Roland Paraphonic-505
Roland System 100m
Roland System 500
Ryk 185
Korg SQ-1
Roland SH-2
Roland SH-1000
Musicaid Simmons SDS-3
Oberheim DX (used but not filmed)
Ibanez Jem 7DBK
Social & My Music:
/ alexballmusic
alexball.bandcamp.com/

Пікірлер: 530

  • @AlexBallMusic
    @AlexBallMusic3 жыл бұрын

    If you like the end song and want to support me: alexball.bandcamp.com/track/roland-paraphonic-505-the-light Cheers!

  • @roy.jacobs

    @roy.jacobs

    3 жыл бұрын

    Have you considered putting these KZread Doodles on Spotify? It would make some excellent driving music. A car, that is. Well, golf clubs as well, I suppose. Wedges? I'm not sure.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@roy.jacobs My next album will be on Spotify very soon but not all the little KZread doodles and jams. They live on bandcamp.

  • @user-fo3ug3cr4m

    @user-fo3ug3cr4m

    3 жыл бұрын

    What do you think about a video explaining basic components of synthesizers and showing the construction plans of them? I'd like to know what VCAs and so on are.

  • @starsky101

    @starsky101

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic 😱😱😱new album! I so hope it’s a double gatefold including all the incidentals I requested from your films expanded into full tracks? It doesn’t matter, I know it will be excellent and I will be purchasing immediately and streaming constantly on Spotify. And as for the light ... it felt like a subtle change of approach / direction / structure, was it intentional or just a feeling?

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@user-fo3ug3cr4m I wasn't thinking of doing a video on the basics of synthesis, but I have some other tutorials in mind. There are loads of videos, websites and books that already explain all that stuff, so I didn't think it worth doing again.

  • @proudsnowtiger
    @proudsnowtiger3 жыл бұрын

    When you went through the bass options at the top , I must admit I reviewed them with my face. A valuable life skill imparted by KZread. Mankind has a future after all.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Excellent. I'm proud of you.

  • @voice_from_pizza

    @voice_from_pizza

    3 жыл бұрын

    My eyebrows got raised a few times myself

  • @JayKaufman

    @JayKaufman

    3 жыл бұрын

    I found myself repeating "It is pretty fat!" I found myself repeating "It is pretty fat!"

  • @automaticgainsay
    @automaticgainsay3 жыл бұрын

    Your demonstrations are exactly what a demonstration should truly be, and although I have seen far, far too many demonstrations in my life to really enjoy watching demonstrations, yours are an exception. Just lovely. Also, thanks for the mention! I cheered at your "paraphonic" explanation! Thank you. The music? Amazing. I have to say that I have underestimated this synth to a substantial degree! Maybe I should have tried harder to get one back when I could! Anyone who wants to argue about what "paraphonic" means can hop on over to my channel. Need an incentive? All paraphonic synths (modern usage) are polyphonic synths unless they were made by a company that decided to start using the term to mean "one o' these notes ain't articulated." :D Anyway, thank you, Alex... you rock.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for tuning in. I'm glad the description was accurate the weirdness of it, your videos are obviously a huge help there. I forgot to mention that roland called the sister Jupiter-4 "Compuphonic" meaning that it had user memory slots! They also used "Computer Interface" for CV/Gate inputs on several synths, so numerous terms are now lost in translation or time. The RS-505: yeah, worth owning if you can get one, but the rarity and price now make it a bit painful. I snagged a Crumar that's tatty, but was inexpensive and sounds absolutely amazing. That's my stringer for the time being. Maybe I'll find a Lambda at some point, someone tells me those are great...

  • @automaticgainsay

    @automaticgainsay

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic I really, really can't wait for you to experience a Lambda! Three tuning-independent layers of top-octave-divide... it's the Minimoog of string synths. :D

  • @curtis8516
    @curtis85163 жыл бұрын

    Fun fact: Giorgio Moroder had thirty four of these as his alarm clock back in 1978.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Haha!

  • @mikemorrisonmusic

    @mikemorrisonmusic

    2 жыл бұрын

    🤣

  • @melange-music

    @melange-music

    5 ай бұрын

    … and they were perfectly synchronized to wake him up with a driving rhythm.

  • @kaitlyn__L
    @kaitlyn__L3 жыл бұрын

    The part about the “arse” being a Volca product made me laugh so much!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Little nod to synth memes. ;)

  • @ianperesmusic
    @ianperesmusic3 жыл бұрын

    Have had one of these since 2010..got it for $1500 online, in awesome condition. This is a really special instrument. Neither hardware nor vst will ever come close to recreating this sound in my opinion. Great video!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nice, before they got really expensive. Vsts - I think the ensemble is very difficult to model or recreate, I don't know why.

  • @TrevorWierzbowski
    @TrevorWierzbowski3 жыл бұрын

    I absolutely admire the way you structure your end pieces with these long intros, with vocal lines seemingly unimportant somehow, like if you wanted the people to feast their ears with these lush sounds, agile harmonies and well crafted tension builders. And then all of a sudden you drop a top of the tops banger vocal line to die for, and if there is something in the world worth longer wait than this then I don't know what that is... I feel like this structure concept is totally yours, there is no band I can think of that would follow or has ever followed the same path. The long, beautiful intros of Robert Smith and the fellows would ring some pleasant bells in my head, but, man, what a indescribably great light to stand in. One hell of a talent you are, Mr. Hainbach.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks very much!

  • @maartensynth
    @maartensynth3 жыл бұрын

    The 505 is one of the best string synths ever made👍

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Pretty tasty. Go well on toast.

  • @Sam_Utah
    @Sam_Utah3 жыл бұрын

    My first synth in late 70's through mid 80's. Mostly used for slow attack and blended stings/brass pads through the beautiful ensemble/chorus. Paired wonderfully with ARP Odyssey back in the day. Thanks for the trip down memory lane and your song at the end is terrific - sounded progressive pop to me, a hit in any age.

  • @Hostipal
    @Hostipal3 жыл бұрын

    Roland are so innovative in their numbering systems. Amazing that they never manage to use the same number twice

  • @Decypher

    @Decypher

    3 жыл бұрын

    I first wanted to comment that I already own two '505' roland instruments but while I was typing frantically I realized you probably were being sarcastic....

  • @onionhat9141
    @onionhat91413 жыл бұрын

    Roland synths are just something else

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    They are indeed.

  • @danielpirone8028

    @danielpirone8028

    3 жыл бұрын

    I just wish their modern ones did need custom midi/ audio drivers that they stop supporting after 5years ( looking at you V-Synth )

  • @GNeuman

    @GNeuman

    3 жыл бұрын

    They were, not so sure about today's efforts from them....

  • @myshelby500gt
    @myshelby500gt3 жыл бұрын

    These old Roland synthesizers really do have there own vintage character and sound which in my opinion can not be copied by software or reissues. I think over the decades the electronics take on a warmth all of there own. I have a few synths and one I will never sell is my Roland Juno 106 which I have owned for over 20 years. Another great video Alex thank you for all your hard work in putting these video's together for everyone to enjoy

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    There are some great modern synths (including digital) and some suprisingly good plugins nowadays, but playing a hand built vintage synth is always going to feel like a huge treat.

  • @noiselessfox7618
    @noiselessfox76183 жыл бұрын

    Your videos are always a treat and your ending songs are always astonishingly beautiful. I love your channel so much. Much love!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, that's most kind.

  • @hubaswift7640
    @hubaswift76403 жыл бұрын

    I thought I had gotten away from volca jokes when I left all my synth meme groups. I just can't escape.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    You can never escape! Much like a Volca in a rectum.

  • @roryjineffect

    @roryjineffect

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic 🤣🤣🤣

  • @MayzMatthiasYzebaert

    @MayzMatthiasYzebaert

    3 жыл бұрын

    Same.

  • @philmarsh5593
    @philmarsh55933 жыл бұрын

    Oh God, he can sing too! Not enough that he gets all this cool vintage gear and gets to be witty and informative, then writes cool tunes on them. He sings too. PAH! (Seriously, great vid once again. Not a keyboard I'd lust after but would have in my "lottery win collection" because it just LOOKS so gorgeous, like all Rolys of the period.)

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Phil. Well, I can stack up lots of vocals with lots of FX and seem like I can sing. ;) 505 - yeah I agree, I'm not dying to own one at all costs like I would be for an ARP 2500 or a Jupiter-8, but would be very happy to have it around.

  • @acialist
    @acialist3 жыл бұрын

    That's weird, my 505 sounds like drums. Must be an error in the chips.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Take it to the tech, I'm sure they'll get the strings going. Probably next to the hand clap or something.

  • @baconfister
    @baconfister3 жыл бұрын

    Alex, your musical skills and creativity are soooo top-notch, that you could make an accordion, kazoo, and recorder sound good.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's my next video funnily enough.

  • @JayKaufman
    @JayKaufman3 жыл бұрын

    You have some of the best vocal hooks I've ever heard - which is odd for a synth focused channel. They put most pop musicians and writers to shame.

  • @geertvanschlanger8057
    @geertvanschlanger80573 жыл бұрын

    I usched thisch schynth on Jurasschic Pork.

  • @matthewmoore2839

    @matthewmoore2839

    3 жыл бұрын

    Surprising, since RS-play wasn't so popular back then.

  • @inthefade
    @inthefade3 жыл бұрын

    I love that Ensemble III. It's got a real Gary Numan or John Foxx feel to it.

  • @Chris.Brisson

    @Chris.Brisson

    Ай бұрын

    You should hear it live. Ensemble III is one of those things that recordings don't quite capture in all its glory. The psychoacoustics at play here are truly magical. Over 40 years, I've not come across the exact effect in any other product, not even Roland's contemporary RS-505 emulations match it.

  • @MarkWagner33
    @MarkWagner333 жыл бұрын

    I had one these, picked up for nothing in a thrift store in Brooklyn. I played it, gigged it, toured it and it never failed. Sold it when i returned to the UK but struggled to find good bass poly/paraphonic that i was satisfied with after that.... Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

  • @drathernaut
    @drathernaut3 жыл бұрын

    Those vocals always swoop in right on time.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    My M.O. Thanks!

  • @andersingram

    @andersingram

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic Certainly better than those volcas swooping in right on time ...

  • @danielpirone8028
    @danielpirone80283 жыл бұрын

    Alex you are truly a wonderful resource for the synth community. And your pop stylings always brighten my day!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Daniel, much appreciated.

  • @jondough76
    @jondough763 жыл бұрын

    Another informative and entertaining video. Keep up the excellent work!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Cheers!

  • @greatheightsu
    @greatheightsu3 жыл бұрын

    Love these videos on these weird pieces of history I've never heard of. Enlightening and entertaining! You're the best, cheers.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Yes, synth archeology is always fun.

  • @TimOliver
    @TimOliver Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Alex, thanks for doing this, it’s my favourite bit of kit. I really like the second touch envelope switch on it. Being able to retrigger the envelope while playing with both hands opens up all sorts of cool possibilities.

  • @progwaver
    @progwaver3 жыл бұрын

    Always cool Demos Alex, I like your style doing it always in a musical context, and I am always exiting on the songs at the end, fantastic work, double dumb up is not enough for that.

  • @renemunkthalund3581
    @renemunkthalund35813 жыл бұрын

    That end song! Your channel is incredible, Alex.

  • @andrew1479
    @andrew14793 жыл бұрын

    Is it just me or is this synths' bass section, one funky mother!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, it's fantastic.

  • @staticaudio6961
    @staticaudio69613 жыл бұрын

    Another great informative and fun vid. Another great song! Top channel thank you so much Alex

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks very much!

  • @BertGrink
    @BertGrink Жыл бұрын

    What a beautiful piece at the end!

  • @lairdtomfrenchelectromusic2545
    @lairdtomfrenchelectromusic25453 жыл бұрын

    Ça fleure bon le vintage !!! Your videos are real nuggets to watch without modération !!! C'est un compliment.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Merci!

  • @ZaffinMusic
    @ZaffinMusic3 жыл бұрын

    ★★★★★ As with most things that you demonstrate, I’ve never previously heard of them(!) but it’s always a pleasure hearing you give their history. That bass sounded so good and raw! Also, your end song was top notch, sir. Onwards, dear fellow - not long before that 100k plaque will be in your grasp! 😎⭐️

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks my good man.

  • @margotmuller2893
    @margotmuller28933 жыл бұрын

    thank you for the music!! great joy!!

  • @muddymike10
    @muddymike103 жыл бұрын

    Yes, you moved beyond the inherent limitations of this instrument to compose/craft a lovely tune - thank you!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Michael, much appreciated.

  • @eikarumba429
    @eikarumba4293 жыл бұрын

    Great job 👏🏾 loved the outro tune too!

  • @kikkirow
    @kikkirow3 жыл бұрын

    Well done! Loved every minute of it

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @RoomAtTheTopStudio
    @RoomAtTheTopStudio3 жыл бұрын

    I love the jam at the end Alex. You went in on it. Bravo!!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @robertwilsdon
    @robertwilsdon3 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I had this and the VP vocoder. One sat on top of the other, both looked fab (looked very similar) and sounded great. I sold the 505 for £35 and the VP for £100. Not exactly my finest decision considering their worth now! Nice video and great sound quality. Thanks.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Wow, that is cheap. Or was it a long time ago?

  • @robertwilsdon

    @robertwilsdon

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic - mid 90s. It all made sense at the time! Uggghhhh...

  • @BazzukaJoe101
    @BazzukaJoe1013 жыл бұрын

    Petition to have the Contextual Demonstration at the end turned into a full song I can put on my Spotify playlists please. Wonderful video you just earned a new subscriber. Can’t wait to go through your catalogue of videos

  • @PeterSmithwoodsmith
    @PeterSmithwoodsmith3 жыл бұрын

    I bloomin lovin your channel Alex. Keep them coming buddy. This is good Stuff.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Peter!

  • @HalonOfficial
    @HalonOfficial3 жыл бұрын

    Yay new video 😀 the RS-505 sounds lovely!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    It does indeed. :)

  • @brickstuffcorp
    @brickstuffcorp2 жыл бұрын

    Love that outtro tune! Great video.

  • @lukemason7842
    @lukemason78423 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for more great videos

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for tuning in Lucas.

  • @ArcAudios77
    @ArcAudios773 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Alex, a fantastic introduction to a unit that I've never met. Regards

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Yes, hard to come by sadly.

  • @nonameforareason
    @nonameforareason3 жыл бұрын

    Damn, what a great Demo-Song at the end, fantastic, one of your best!!!

  • @nonameforareason

    @nonameforareason

    3 жыл бұрын

    AND i just bought it from you at Bandcamp so i can listen to it on repeat! Cheers! :D

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!

  • @nonameforareason

    @nonameforareason

    3 жыл бұрын

    ​@@AlexBallMusic Thank YOU! It's playing the 5th time yet and still getting better! As a composer, Vintage-Synth-phobic and music lover i listened to every „Demo“ of you, but THIS is your biggest „socks-knocker“ so far, sittin here with a big smile every time it repeats... damn; I LOOOVE it!!! :D

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Ah, that's put a big smile on my face. Many thanks!

  • @LouisSerieusement
    @LouisSerieusement3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks ! Great video as always :)

  • @Pichuscute
    @Pichuscute3 жыл бұрын

    That end song is fantastic, great work!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Cheers!

  • @hutlazzz
    @hutlazzz3 жыл бұрын

    Hey new to your channel after youtube algorithm recommand your video, synth test was amazing you got me subs, hell yeah the bass sound massive af ! But the end video got me fan also !!! Very nice composition man I really appreciate when vocal enter and didnt expect this, it look like completely out of a 1983 top chart with recent touch ahah !! thanks for this video mate

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it. Yes, the bass is the surprise when it comes to 505. I hit than sawtooth and couldn't believe it.

  • @8dioproductions
    @8dioproductions3 жыл бұрын

    Gorgeous Alex!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @MrFlottgote
    @MrFlottgote3 жыл бұрын

    Gee, thanks... really got a craving for a Korg Arse now...! Seriously, though, this synth, like all the ones you've covered recently, have one thing in common: power. I find it astonishing that in the middle of OPEC one and energy awareness in the late Seventies, Korg, Roland and Moog all think it's a good idea to make musical instruments that drain more power than your dishwasher or toaster... The upside to all this, though, is the bass. Oh, man. KZread cannot begin to convey this, I'm sure you'll agree. It's a score of tubas up your... well, arse!

  • @mitchelldries6628
    @mitchelldries66283 жыл бұрын

    such an amzing synth... the one piece i will never get rid of despite it's "limitations" it does what it does very well. was lucky enough to find one in a weird little record store in milwaukee for $125 several decades ago.... great final song, Alex!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's a great find! Yes, wonderful sounds with some compromises.

  • @TDRKB
    @TDRKB3 жыл бұрын

    Great video as usual.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Great comment as usual. :)

  • @SysexOfficial
    @SysexOfficial3 жыл бұрын

    I hope someone tells your story with as much love and care that you give the equipment you present.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    I'm not as interesting as the gear I feature.

  • @liudas5377
    @liudas53772 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant! Oozing with talent...

  • @mootbooxle
    @mootbooxle3 жыл бұрын

    Love the track at the end! Utopia vibes!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Cheers buddy!

  • @rembrandvandooren8027
    @rembrandvandooren80273 жыл бұрын

    the Roland Paraphonic RS-505 is my first analog synth I bought after the DX100 (my 1th synth) i saw it in 1990 in a shop for €200.... I listened and I was ♥ imidiately!!!! still one of my favo's!!!

  • @generalludendorff2657
    @generalludendorff26573 жыл бұрын

    The bass section is killing it. Massive!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes!

  • @OscarRhling
    @OscarRhling3 жыл бұрын

    Accidentally watching this with autogenerated subtitles absolutely cracked me up [Applause]. Anyway, now you explained what Roland meant by "Paraphonic", I feel we need a modern definition of "Compuphonic". Maestro?.. :)

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    ...because it had a digital memory that could store and recall a few user patches. COMPUPHONIC!

  • @OscarRhling

    @OscarRhling

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic Yes, that was what Roland meant it to signify, but what about the average slightly confused and misinformed millennial vst-plug collector's definition? ;)

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@OscarRhling Haha!

  • @jkuebler89
    @jkuebler893 жыл бұрын

    Man you can write one helluva tune. Every. Single. Time. Nice work mate!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Joshua!

  • @kgbinfo
    @kgbinfo3 жыл бұрын

    I agree that the bass sounds on this thing are surprisingly thick. I had an ARP Omni 2 for a while and that had some really meaty bass as well. I was working on a record at the time, and, though I also had access to a Micromoog and an Odyssey, I ended up relying mostly on the Omni for all the synth bass parts. There's something about those old ensemble circuits that add this really subtle but beautiful "rolling" texture to everything and I found that transferred nicely into the overall mix of the songs and gave everything a bit more dimension. Also I loved your song at the end of the video! Really cool bass groove!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    The Omni is wonderful, as is the Solina and Solina String Synthesizer. As you say, suprising bass! The ensembles are magical, definitely. Really syrupy.

  • @superserge
    @superserge3 жыл бұрын

    I've started to like the paraphonic aesthetics for 10 years now. Most likely I started to grow up. Thank you, Alex!! You've made understanding of this paraphonic transparent for me in such a short time. + This summer shirt with flowers suits you. 😉

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Serge, I'm glad you enjoyed the video and the shirt :) Yes, there's some great sounds to be found in those old paraphonic polys, if you can work around the problems.

  • @superserge

    @superserge

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic About these problems:)) He that would eat the fruit must climb the tree.

  • @SynthAddict
    @SynthAddict3 жыл бұрын

    great vid as usual, nice tones love the Volca meme callback :-)

  • @rockersrevenge1
    @rockersrevenge12 жыл бұрын

    the vocals in the track at the end are amazing

  • @carlosserrano3985
    @carlosserrano39853 жыл бұрын

    Love the end song with the Simmons SDS-III, another great video!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, gotta love that Simmons.

  • @carlosserrano3985

    @carlosserrano3985

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic Yes as a drummer (my main instrument) I love Simmons gear, I used to have a SDS-1, SDS-8, SDS-9, TMI but the only I kept is the SDSV. Alex please do some doc about the history of Simmons because nobody has done it and I think it there's a lot of interesting info about it and if you got an interview with Dave Simmons will be awesome, he is a very brilliant guy. I think you are the right person to do it like you did with the ARP doc.

  • @russmadeira
    @russmadeira3 жыл бұрын

    Great bass sounds. Great demo!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, big bottom on this thing!

  • @TryptychUK
    @TryptychUK3 жыл бұрын

    Back in the day, I was stuck between the 505 and the ARP Omni 2, both awesome in their own way. The 505 was extremely underrated and brilliant for it's time.

  • @apislapis
    @apislapis3 жыл бұрын

    The wood veneer and the big switches remind me of the home organs of that period, but the 505 on the whole sounds fantastic. Another great vid Alex.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Definitely looks like an organ! Got another synth with deceptive rocker switches for a video soon...

  • @jekanyika
    @jekanyika Жыл бұрын

    Loved the tune

  • @ZethKeeper
    @ZethKeeper3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! And thanks for sharin polyphony history series!

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for tuning in.

  • @experimetalfan8851
    @experimetalfan88513 жыл бұрын

    Marvelous!

  • @AlainHubert
    @AlainHubert3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this review! The song at the end has a definite Kraftwerk/Human League flavour to it. Me like very much! Thanks for sharing, Alex!

  • @Pablo668
    @Pablo6683 жыл бұрын

    Great review, loved the song at the end. I do miss the Alex Ball making strange faces rating system for sounds though.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    I save the face reviews for special occassions.

  • @Pablo668

    @Pablo668

    3 жыл бұрын

    Lol!

  • @inconsolablegraphite2126
    @inconsolablegraphite21263 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. It’s always nice to see a new video on the RS 505, and you’ve given me a few ideas to follow up. As you say, you need to work with its limitations rather than against. Possibly my favourite stringer (and I love most of them). As always, the trick is layering and contrasting the sections. I usually play mine ‘orchestrally’. If you do this it sounds absolutely huge. At the time I think this is how Roland intended it to be used. The ‘strings’ section does have a characteristic timbre, but I wouldn’t have said ‘thin’. Carefully mixing the 8’ and 4’ footages available avoids this. There also seems to be a sweet spot if you tune it a minor third down… easily done with the pitch slider, but this could be just me. A feature you didn’t go into is the pitch glide. It’s a bit weird used at extremes, but is also present on the 505’s sister the VP330 (and Behringer’s fantastic clone). With careful use you can extract some sounds vaguely reminiscent of asian music but it requires careful use - a little glissando at the beginning of selected notes. I could go on but won’t. Despite its apparent simplicity the 505 has hidden depths and there are many surprises hidden away in there. One of Roland’s best. I wish their current output was more like this, but perhaps I just haven’t managed to escape from the 1970s/80s

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the additional info. I didn't cover autobend because I gave it a feature in my previous video with the VP-330, but I guess I should have mentioned it again. I should have the 505 a little while longer so I'll try some of your suggestions.

  • @inconsolablegraphite2126

    @inconsolablegraphite2126

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic Ah. Apologies. I hadn't spotted the VP330 review (doh 🙄).

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    No worries at all, it's a totally different video after all.

  • @OperationChicago
    @OperationChicago8 күн бұрын

    Good job man, I am going to buy one of these Rolands :)

  • @kevinsturges6957
    @kevinsturges69573 жыл бұрын

    I love these Roland string machines. I have a like new RS-09, and the Boutique VP-03. Both are great in their own way.

  • @RegebroRepairs
    @RegebroRepairs3 жыл бұрын

    That Ensemble is NICE! I wonder if they made some pedal or something with that circuitry.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    They did do pedals and rack mount ensembles, yep.

  • @travisguide4516
    @travisguide45162 жыл бұрын

    this thing oozes good tone from every angle

  • @darkstatehk
    @darkstatehk3 жыл бұрын

    Mmmmmmmm the sound of analogue goodness. Synthesizing the soul for as long as I can remember 💖 Edit: That outro track.... 1st class feel good movie grade quality.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    That beautiful 70s sound. :)

  • @jason3898
    @jason3898 Жыл бұрын

    Can't wait for a video on the Volca Ass 505. Must be super rare, I can't find it anywhere online :)

  • @davenicholson7427
    @davenicholson74275 ай бұрын

    I love this stuff; in a you-tube world where increasingly a 'tabloid' video title barely disguises a slap-dash conglomeration of stock footage, and research that would make the back of a cigarette packet blush, there's this. Niche? - hell yes! We old farts, need content to fill our increasing sense of emptiness too.😉

  • @johnnyvandeclit259
    @johnnyvandeclit2593 жыл бұрын

    I own a jupiter 4 and this fills some blanks : no audio in, one ensemble mode only, multi waveforms possibilities. This is the best era for roland synths. I recently rediscovered the bass capabilities of the jupiter 4 and they are just amazing.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Love the JP-4, have played one a few times. Hopefully I'll snag one for a demo at some point.

  • @johnnyvandeclit259

    @johnnyvandeclit259

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic I would have gladly lended mine, but I am in the north of France. They are not that rare anyway.

  • @pbrninja19
    @pbrninja193 жыл бұрын

    Nice! Song reminded me of Erasure. Thanks.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Cheers!

  • @niceheartwhitesuit
    @niceheartwhitesuit Жыл бұрын

    I really think Alex has the best demo jams.

  • @prodby_luffuate
    @prodby_luffuate3 жыл бұрын

    0:12 The shade...

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    It's a joke from synth memes btw, just in case anyone thinks I'm hating on Volcas.

  • @prodby_luffuate

    @prodby_luffuate

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic I get it fam. All good vibes here!

  • @kingcoherent

    @kingcoherent

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic quit facebook a while back. The volca memes are the only thing I miss.

  • @SRDhain
    @SRDhain3 жыл бұрын

    This is tastier than i thought it'd be. It's not just that classic ensemble chorus that roland used for a number of years (it sounds like multiple units, akin to the BOSS guitar units of the time, with separate audio paths), but their definition of paraphonic, which is actually more akin to Multi-Timbrality. I think this might have been used on more records than most people know. For example, The Warriors soundtrack sounds like (ahem) it has this all over it. Thank you for sharing this👍

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks. Yes, has the syrupy ensemble you'd expect, but then _that_ bass is the big surprise. Wow.

  • @SRDhain

    @SRDhain

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic yeah, that bass was completely unexpected. I've got a system 100 (the full set, inc speakers) and it sounds similar to that, rather than the smoother filter Roland used in the 80s.

  • @MIDERA
    @MIDERA3 жыл бұрын

    I love some of those bass sounds. Actually a great synth. Some day, you'll have to go through the SK-30... Or maybe you already have and I missed it. That's massively possible. I'd lend you mine, but, that wouldn't work out too well with shipping.

  • @chedhead3278
    @chedhead32783 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Alex, itsa vera nice. :)

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @voice_from_pizza
    @voice_from_pizza3 жыл бұрын

    Guitar through ensemble sounded awesome

  • @Magnus_Loov
    @Magnus_Loov3 жыл бұрын

    The song at the end, and especially the beginning of it, reminds me of early (late 1970:s, pre "Don't you want me") Human League. "Being boiled" with that bass sound and the percussive sounds (that snare "splash"/"whip")

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    I was definitely boiling a little there. ;)

  • @GertBoers
    @GertBoers3 жыл бұрын

    This makes me wants to watch Land of the Rising Sound again... See you in a little over an hour.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @adam872

    @adam872

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah me too. That was an excellent documentary.

  • @azrodgames3979
    @azrodgames39793 жыл бұрын

    Waooo very very Good song's you make Alex 👌👏👏👏😍

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @SharpblueCreative
    @SharpblueCreative3 жыл бұрын

    Nice. I am proud to have owned a Jupiter 4 in the 90’s - only paid £80 for it too. Sold unfortunately a few years later. Nice video demo & track at the end.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Score! I have the 100m with the 4CV keyboard, so I can't complain, but the Jupiter-4 is a lovely thing.

  • @EspenKraft
    @EspenKraft3 жыл бұрын

    Still one of my favorite Rolands and your demo only enhances that Alex. :) If I did more games- or tv work (which is pretty much non existent) at the moment, I would get one. ;-)

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, a lovely thing for sure. Funny that it was quite a functional instrument at the time, aimed at live players (mostly cover bands). It's an old dreamy sound now.

  • @EspenKraft

    @EspenKraft

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlexBallMusic Exactly, you just said the magic word "dreamy". That's how I would describe the overall sound of the 505. With some lush reverb this is a dream(y) machine. ;-)

  • @kadenfurr9699
    @kadenfurr96993 жыл бұрын

    I have no clue why, but when I clicked on this I was expecting LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER. I have never been so shell-shocked.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Less furbies on my channel.

  • @bitspacemusic
    @bitspacemusic3 жыл бұрын

    Apart from the sounds, I love the image quality. It's like watching an 80's TV show.

  • @WillieWonka928D
    @WillieWonka928D3 жыл бұрын

    For me, this is the best sounding of all the classic string synths (apart from the OG, the wonderful Freeman String Symphonizer). It just has such a characteristic and unique sound, even compared to the other Roland string synths like the 202 and the strings on the VP330.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    I'd love to try a Freeman, I've seen one once. The Solina and Omni are pretty nice and actually the Crumar Multiman-S is pretty special in the string department. But the 505 has a thing about it, definitely.

  • @JeremyEWiss
    @JeremyEWiss3 жыл бұрын

    The RS 505 is my favorite synth of all time.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nice!

  • @amplifier2
    @amplifier23 жыл бұрын

    Korg Delta comes to mind. But this one seems to sound much better. Love the strings. And your song.

  • @AlexBallMusic

    @AlexBallMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks. I'm yet to try a Delta or a Lambda, but the Sigma is the next video funnily enough.

  • @stevenmann9769
    @stevenmann97692 жыл бұрын

    This synth has a huge sound!