Channel Title: Distort the Preamp Channel Description: Music production and culture with an emphasis on the 1980s. Analog gear, digital heart. And vice versa. <video> Behringer Model D - Ambient Arps Description: Extracted loop from the video 'How to make AMBIENT ARPS: Behringer Model D vs Pro 1' (see link below). The arpeggios were recorded earlier as midi in a live take, and then this short shows me manipulating the sound using the Model D's ladder filter, resonance, and envelopes. Here is the original video: https://youtu.be/qPaz4G1Ksho #behringermodeld #ambientarps </video> <video> Secrets of EMOTIONAL SYNTH PADS (Twin Peaks, Roland JX-8P) Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi How was the amazing synthesiser sound used for "Laura's Theme" in Twin Peaks created? Why does it evoke such strong emotions and nostalgia? In this video, I interview an expert on music and emotion, exploring topics like sadness in music and musical nostalgia. I also delve into the "soundtrack" patch on the Roland JX-8P, analysing its unique qualities compared to other synth pads. Next, I recreate this sound using the affordable Behringer DeepMind 12 synthesizer. Using what I've learned, I perform my own interpretation of "Laura's Theme" with budget synthesizers and a three-octave keyboard. Can I capture the same emotional impact? Finally, I share why I’m passionate about 12-inch records—spoiler alert: it’s not the sound quality. #twinpeaks #laurapalmer #deepmind12 00:00 Introduction 00:32 Coming up… 00:42 The first time I heard Laura’s Theme from Twin Peaks 02:01 How was the Laura’s Theme sound created? 03:27 Introducing the Roland JX-8P and MKS-70 04:40 The “soundtrack” sound: a legendary synth pad 05:18 Interview with Dr. Sandra Garrido on music and emotion 05:36 Our physical response to music 06:05 What does nostalgia mean? 06:39 When do we first experience nostalgia? 07:07 Historical nostalgia vs. real nostalgia 08:40 Designing sounds for emotional impact 10:23 Demonstrating the “soundtrack” sound on the Roland JX-8P 10:50 The essence of the “soundtrack” sound 11:20 Programming the “soundtrack” sound: what makes it unique 11:33 Basics of subtractive synthesis 12:52 How synth pads are typically made 13:17 Creating the “soundtrack” sound 13:31 Measuring the filter attack and decay for the “soundtrack” sound 14:08 The impact of the slow filter attack 14:25 Comparing filter attack time with reheating coffee 14:31 Demonstration: Roland JX-8P vs. reheating coffee 15:26 Reproducing the “soundtrack” sound on a budget synth 15:40 Imitating the “soundtrack” sound on the Behringer DeepMind 12 16:12 Envelope settings for the imitation “soundtrack” sound 16:18 Behringer DeepMind 12: “Soundtrack” sound without chorus 16:32 Behringer DeepMind 12: “Soundtrack” sound with chorus 17:17 Adding expression to the performance 18:20 Live performance: Laura’s Theme (version) 21:46 Why I love 12-inch records </video> <video> SYNTH BASS Secrets of the 80s (Part 2) Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi How did Sting get his amazing bass sound in The Police? And what does that have to do with synth bass and synth pop? This is the second of three videos on that subject, and part of a larger series “Secrets of the 1980s” where I showcase long lost production techniques and how they can turn a vanilla song into a hit record. In this video I explain techniques that used by Sting from the Police to get his amazing bass sound. Then I explain how those same tricks were used by Pet Shop Boys, and how you can use them in your productions. Then I build a synth bass sound on the fly using those techniques, and use that to do a live performance where I play synth bass live. All 100% dawless and, as per usual. I only use hardware vintage and modern analog synths, and all programming is done into my hardware Squarp Pyramid sequencer. Sound sources used in this video include: Behringer DeepMind 12 Behringer Pro-1 Yamaha TX81Z Korg M1 Emu ESi32 Roland R8 Behringer RD9 #sting #thepolice #petshopboys 00:00 Previously on Distort The Preamp... 00:28 Learning from Sting: the art of producing bass 02:42 Basic bass production for excitement and clarity 04:28 Innovative bass guitar production from progressive rock 05:35 'Walking On The Moon' by The Police, bass production 05:47 Doubling bass with guitar an octave up for definition 07:12 'Spellbound' by Siouxsie and the Banshees, bass production 08:36 Sting's secret weapon: double bass 09:15 Doubling bass with double bass for extra thump 09:33 Sting's customised double bass called 'Brian' 10:00 Why bass guitar production techniques are relevant to an analysis of Pet Shop Boys synth bass 10:35 Pet Shop Boys' iconic synth bass for 'West End Girls' comprised three layers 11:40 The fourth reason to layer bass: unique sound design 12:09 How to create a signature bass sound 12:25 Synth bass layer one: sustain 15:03 Synth bass layer two: bite and definition 17:20 Synth bass layer three: thump 19:02 Combining the three synth bass layers into a killer signature bass sound 19:46 Recap: what have we done and why? 22:38 Live synth bass performance: 'Jim's Theme' 24:36 Afterword: reflections on record producer Nigel Gray, and what it means to be a 'producer' </video> <video> The Truth About 80s DRUMS (Synth Pop) Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi How do you make your music sound like it truly came from the 1980s? In this video, I answer that question from a viewer using actual science. I analyze an original multi-track from the 80s, conduct machine timing experiments, and make a discovery that holds the key to achieving the authentic 80s sound. In my opinion, if you follow this one approach, you can’t help but sound like the 80s. And conversely, if you don’t, no amount of retro gear will help. Introduction Viewer Question: How to Sound Like the 80s? Drum Machines and "Sterile" Timing Analysing Actual 80s Multi-Tracks and a Surprising Discovery Temporal Phase Drift: The Key to the 80s Sound Scientific Explanation: Why Timing Errors Matter Measuring Drift: BPM and Timing Variations Sketch: Proving Machines Have Soul Advice for Modern Producers: How to Avoid Sterility Conclusion and Link to Espen Kraft Reaction Video My Espen reaction video with popcorn and a Rubik'c Cube: https://youtu.be/TqGM1yE0GVA </video> <video> How To Make The KRAFTWERK ZAP (Behringer Pro-1) Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi In this video, I show you how to create the iconic synthesiser "zap" sound made famous by Kraftwerk and so many other electronic artists. I use the Behringer Pro-1 as requested by the viewer who asked the question, but you can use any analog synth with a filter. Whether you're into synthwave, electronic music, or just want to add some retro sound design tricks to your production, this is a very cool trick. I walk you through the entire process of replicating this sound, from understanding the basic way of making a sine wave, to shaping the zap with an envelope. You'll learn: - How to make a sine wave using filter resonance - How to shape the zap sound using pitch envelopes and decay settings - How to adjust the zap to fit your track with timing and context - Bonus tips on adding effects like delay and flanging for extra flair By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to create any kind of zap, including the sound used by Kraftwerk on "Tour de France". Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: question from "Mark" 00:36 What is a zap sound? 01:50 Creating a sine wave from the filter 03:45 Adding the envelope to create the zap sound 06:00 Adjusting for context and timing 07:10 Adding delay and effects #Kraftwerk #BehringerPro1 #SoundDesign #SynthTutorial #TourDeFrance </video> <video> How to use SYNTH NOISE to make music more exciting Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi This is my story of how I discovered the power of pure noise, how to design and use synth noise to inject excitement into my music productions, and even how I use synth noise to add experimental energy. I create a special synth noise patch on my Behringer Neutron that imitates the sound of a crowd cheering with different levels of excitement and show you how to tune it in and play it on a keyboard. Then I use that patch in a synthpop track I programme my dawless setup on my Squarp Pyramid under time pressure and do the whole thing in less than 20 minutes. Then I do two live performances, one of which is a solo where I play the noise like an instrument using one of my Drawmer DS201 noise gates. 00:00 Intro MY NOISE STORY 00:01 Seeing The Smiths Live in 1985 02:13 The Beatles did it in 1967 03:03 What this video is about 03:26 My 'power of pure noise' story 04:24 A tip from Rush (Spirit of Radio, Distant Early Warning) 06:02 Ian Stanley (Tears for Fears) SYNTH PATCH 08:39 Neutron 'crowd noise' patch 12:19 Patch sheet DAWLESS PROGRAMMING 12:34 Timer starts 12:57 Cinematic 'doom' hit 13:14 Disco hi-hats 13:40 Moog bass 14:06 Setting up the trigger key for the gates 14:39 Bass pad 16:36 Kick 16:57 Snare 17:30 Snare fill 18:34 More cowbell 19:17 Clap 20:03 FM bass 21:10 303 23:33 Assembling the sequences 26:39 Lead 27:25 Setting up a second gate trigger key 29:47 Adding noise for excitement and energy DAWLESS PERFORMANCES 32:34 'Theme for Bob Ross' - with live gated noise 34:35 Noise solo with live gates AFTERWORD 37:17 Original vinyl copy of Sergeant Pepper's in mono! Many thanks to Crisis for letting me film. www.crisis.org.uk </video> <video> SYNTH BASS Secrets of the 80s (Part 1) Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi How do you make synth bass legendary rather than ordinary? This is the first of three videos on that subject, and part of a larger series “Secrets of the 1980s” where I showcase long lost production techniques and how they can turn a vanilla song into a hit record. In this video I explain the first technique, which breaks into two parts. Then I do a demo using my vintage Yamaha TX81Z, throw some chords and drums together in a speedrun, and demonstrate more. Then I do a live performance where I play synth bass live. All 100% dawless and, as per usual. I only use hardware vintage and modern analog synths, and all programming is done into my hardware Squarp Pyramid sequencer. Instruments and devices used in this video include: Behringer DeepMind 12 Behringer Pro-1 Behringer RD9 Drawmer DS201 Korg M1R Lexicon MX200 Roland R8 Mk1 Yamaha TX81Z 00:00 Start 00:06 How do you make perfect pop? 01:27 Martin Rushent’s rule 02:23 Looking at old multitracks 03:42 Listening to an old demo 05:15 Synth Bass Production Technique #1* 06:35 The first reason 08:16 The second reason 11:45 Speedrun 22:15 Demonstration 31:15 Live performance * #2 and #3 will be in subsequent videos </video> <video> Rhythmic Pad Secrets: Recreating 1986 Synth Pop Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi I’ve always loved the sound of gated pads but for a long time I couldn’t get the sound right. This is my story of how I eventually found and fell in love with the Drawmer DS201 Dual Channel Gate. I then use my dawless setup to programme a synthpop track on my Squarp Pyramid (heavily inspired by New Order’s ‘Bizarre Love Triangle’) under time pressure and do the whole thing in less than 20 minutes. Then I do a live performance where I improvise gated pads in real time over the backing. 00:00 Intro MY STORY 02:03 My ‘gated pads’ story DAWLESS PROGRAMMING AND GATE SETUP 13:17 Timer starts 13:34 Basic drums 14:15 Setting up the trigger key for the gates 15:04 Gated pads and classic Drawmer DS201 setup 16:15 Moog bass 16:55 Strings 19:34 Fantasy 20:10 Slap bass 20:49 FM bass 21:18 Snare fill 22:30 Orch stab PERFORMANCE 23:50 Dawless performance with live gated pads https://youtu.be/mjqP70S0xuE </video> <video> How to do Sidechain Compression WITH NO COMPRESSOR! Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi Learn the secret to achieving the sidechain compression ducking effect without using a compressor in this video! Discover the legendary Drawmer DS 20101 dual channel gate and how it can transform your dawless setup. In this video I show you exactly how to get the famous 'sidechain compression' kick ducking effect out of the box without a DAW using only hardware. I show you why you should not in fact use a compressor with a sidechain, and why you should instead use the Drawmer DS201 Dual Channel Gate. I explain how to set up the key trigger, how to tune in the envelope settings, and demonstrate it using a wide variety of analog synth sources. Finally I give an entire live performance of a synthwave track with more than ten synths playing simultaneously and six being ducked against the kick using a matrix of multiple Drawmer DS201 units. #sidechaincompression #drawmerds201 00:00 Intro 01:16 What am I using for ducking? 02:15 First look at the Drawmer DS201 02:49 Setting up the key trigger (trick) 05:08 Ducking bass under kick 06:56 Sequencing the key trigger separately 08:03 Patching considerations 08:50 Ducking a full synthwave production 10:22 COMPETITION: guess the synth bass! * 10:58 Getting the same effect in any DAW 13:32 The two best (IMO) envelope shapers 17:52 Final listen 18:28 Full live performance with live ducking on six separate parts * The prize is that I’m impressed </video> <video> The Blue Monday Code (New Order) Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 In 1983, New Order dropped Blue Monday, a track that didn’t just break musical boundaries—it came wrapped in a cryptic code. I decided that message and the entire Blue Monday Code before the solution was officially revealed, and in this video I show you how I did it. And I show you another unexpected cosmic gift that no one’s reported on—until now. And finally, I show you how to use the code to make music. Sound sources used in this video: - Behringer RD-9 - Behringer Pro-1 - Behringer Model D - Behringer DeepMind 12R #neworder #bluemonday Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Blue Monday 01:08 - Personal connection to Blue Monday 01:40 - The bold artwork of Blue Monday 02:32 - New Order’s transformation 03:19 - The significance of the cover design 07:05 - Decoding the message: step by step 09:29 - Solving the FAC code 10:59 - Cracking the full alphabet code 12:28 - Revealing the final piece of the puzzle 13:04 - The missing colour 16:18 - Turning the Blue Monday Code into music 17:42 - And the music… </video> <video> Synth Pop ARPEGGIO Secrets Revealed (Duran Duran) Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi How did Duran Duran make that amazing arpeggio sound in the track Rio? After years of trying to figure it out, and a few misdirects, I finally figured out a way. I show you two critical synth arpeggio techniques you need to master. Then I demonstrate how close you can get using those techniques, and contrast that with the 'official' way of doing it. Then I show you other ways of using those new synth arpeggio techniques, and do a live performance. 1982 was a very good year for music in the UK, and maybe the best year of the 1980s. I end by listing some of the records I bought in 1982 and still listen to. #duranduran #synthpop #synthpop80 00:00 What was the best period for UK music? 00:53 Duran Duran’s dominance in 1982 01:40 About this video 02:44 The first time I heard 'Rio' by Duran Duran 07:27 Two foundational synth arpeggio techniques 07:46 Understanding arpeggio clock maintenance and how to hand it over 10:00 Understanding arpeggio note count and its impact on polarity and rhythm 12:43 Why are these arpeggio techniques hard to achieve in the DAW? 13:26 Combining the synth arpeggio techniques 13:38 Building the 'Rio' synth arpeggios: two methods 14:26 Method #1: using random arpeggios 15:04 The problem with using random arpeggios to make the 'Rio' synth arpeggios 15:44 Demonstration: the 'Rio' synth arpeggios using the random method 16:32 Method #2: using the two techniques we learned earlier in this video 17:35 What are the advantages of using these techniques to create the 'Rio' arpeggios? 18:45 Demonstration: the 'Rio' synth arpeggios using the two techniques we learned earlier 19:04 What did Nick Rhodes actually do to create the 'Rio' arpeggios? 19:14 Review: the two foundational synth arpeggio techniques 19:48 Extra tip: another way of maintaining the arpeggio clock 20:27 Live performance: 'Avon's Theme' 24:02 Afterword 24:17 A long list of UK records from 1982 that I bought/taped at the time and still listen to in 2024 Musical equipment I used in this video - Behringer Deepmind 12 - Roland R8 - Squarp Pyramid </video> <video> Reimagining Frosty the Snowman (Production) - LIVE Description: ➡️ Private Coaching: https://bit.ly/4fkck8M ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi This livestream is an educational exploration of music production, focusing on arranging and composing original instrumentation for a vocal performance of the classic song, ‘Frosty the Snowman.’ Viewers can learn about chord substitutions, instrumentation, and production techniques as I experimnt with sounds and write new, original parts to craft a unique cover from scratch. This content is intended for aspiring music producers and musicians interested in the creative process behind reinterpreting songs. </video> <video> Reacting to ESPEN KRAFT (13 Ways To Sound Like The 80s) Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi I react to the inimitable Espen Kraft. Specifically his "13 Ways To Sound Like The 80s" video. While eating popcorn, drinking coffee, and solving a Rubik's Cube. It was a fun night in. Espen's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS773UiJQWg </video> <video> LIVE MIX 'He Left Me For Cocaine [Explicit]' TV-MA Description: ➡️ Private Coaching: https://bit.ly/4fkck8M ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi Content Advisory: This stream is rated TV-MA. It contains: - Explicit language (L) - Drug references (AC) - Sexual content (S) Viewer discretion is advised. This content is intended for a mature audience and is presented for artistic and educational purposes. </video> <video> Secrets of the Glam Drone Guitar Sound (Gerry Shephard, Glitter Sound) Description: ➡️ Learn 80s Music Production https://calendly.com/distortthepreamp/60 ☕ Buy Me A Coffee: https://bit.ly/4ffAbXi In this video, I dive into a powerful, distorted drone sound that once dominated the charts during the 1970s glam rock era. Despite its association with iconic tracks, this unique sound gradually faded from the music scene. But in this video, I'm bringing it back! I show you EXACTLY how to make the sound using only three simple tricks and no expensive gear. Then I do a live performance using the sound but in a totally different context -- a version of The Human League's classic 'Being Boiled'. Finally I end with a few words on an ethical dilemma I had making this video. 0:00 Introduction The origins of the Glam Drone sound The glam drone: my story Three secrets of the Glam Drone Playing with a slide Selective picking Using a special tuning How to get different sounds Applying the Glam Drone to modern productions Live performance: Wellington's Theme (Being Boiled, Version) Afterword </video>

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Music production and culture with an emphasis on the 1980s. Analog gear, digital heart. And vice versa.

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