Today we feature our very own Big Merp in the studio. He was assisting with our recent video on the Yamaha RX5 – specifically the “RX5USB” cartridge. We also one portion of our modular collection, including Metasonix modules, Rossum Morpheus, E350 Morphing Terrarium, Benjolin, Expert Sleepers, Sputnik Modular, Mordax, 4MS, Make Noise, Pittsburgh Modular, Koma Elektronik, 2hp, Folktek, and more.
This is the video we were working on at the time.
We also have a detailed tutorial for the RX5 itself
This cat poses very nicely with a vintage Korg KPR-77 drum machine.
From Andreas Gregor via the Facebook group Synthesizer Freaks.
We at CatSynth were not familiar with the KPR-77. From Vintage Synth Explorer:
The KPR-77 was Korg’s answer to the TR-606 drum machine. Like the 606, the KPR-77 is basically an analog machine. Its sounds consist of bass, snare, two toms, open and closed hi-hats, accent and (switchable) cymbal/clap. Each drum sound’s level can be individual mixed via the sliders.
https://www.vintagesynth.com/korg/kpr77.php
Cleo naps next to a Korg Rhythm 55 vintage drum machine, while keeping a wary eye open. Behind her are a Roland SH-101 and an Arturia keyboard. Submitted by hotham sound via Twitter.
We at CatSynth are quite happy to feature Cleo today. I have also had the opportunity to play a Korg Rhymth 55 in the past, at the Vintage Synthesizer Museum. A bit in the instrument from Vintage Synth Explorer:
he KR55 was, for its time (1979), an advanced preset rhythm drum machine with up to 96 preset rhythm patterns! These patterns cover the whole gamut of presets (Waltz, Samba, Rhumba, Bossa Nova, Tango, Slow Rock, Swing, Rock, etc.). The KR55 also featured a “swing beat” control to add a variation to the groove. Each drum sound’s level can be individually adjusted for each pattern. It can also be externally controlled via footswitch jack for the Start/Stop and Intro/Fill switches. The KR55B was a black-chassis version released a few years later in 1982 with twice as many rhythm patterns. It has been used by Jean-Michel Jarre, Trio and Depeche Mode.
https://www.vintagesynth.com/korg/kr55.php
Primus programs a classic Roland TR-808. From Gunfire H. Horibly via our Facebook page.
The TR-808, or simple the 808 as it is affectionately known, was not an initial commercial success. It was only in production from 1980 to 1982 And its sounds were not particularly realistic, but it did have a distinct character than some artists of the time. It has since achieved a cult following and can be heard on more recordings than perhaps any other drum machine. Roland has also released two “reboots” in recent years, a “Boutique” TR-08 version and the TR-8s for the Aira series.
Blixa and Sasha are sitting together in the studio. We see Roland TR 707 and TR-8S rhythm machines, along with an Arturia DrumBrute. From Neil Parker via Facebook. 💕
I love these fluffy things more than anything.
I know the feeling. They are indeed so precious to us.
You can see more of Blixa and Sasha via Blixa’s tag on CatSynth.
Cute orange cat Pisze poses with a Boss “Dr. Rhythm” DR-660 drum machine. Submitted by Fa Szi via our Facebook page.
Big Merp has taken to our recently acquired Yamaha RX5 drum machine. I think he will be ready to lay down some rhythm tracks soon. He also has his rear paw on another recent acquisition: the Buchla Red Panel 158 oscillator. Look for these two instruments featured in upcoming episodes of CatSynth TV!
Back in the late 1980s when I was getting into synthesizers, Yamaha’s DX series dominated the landscape (along with Roland’s D series). I got Yamaha’s “After Touch” magazine which featured new releases including the RX5, which became the flagship of their drum-machine line. It was beyond my reach then, but I now I have one and looking forward to seeing what I can do with it in our eclectic studio at CatSynth HQ.
Coco gets ready to program her Roland TR-09 drum machine. Submitted by Daniel Warner via our Facebook page.
The TR-09 is a recreation of the Roland TR-909 as part of the Boutique series. It has the original controls and layout of the “909”, but in the Boutique form factor; plus some modern additions like USB.
You can see Coco’s previous appearance on CatSynth here.
