studio life - Fat as Funk - Mastering & Mixing

Posted on September 20, 2023September 27, 2023 by alternativeblueprint

15 (& a half) Classic Analogue Synth Reissues

classic analogue synth reissues fat as funk mastering

We all love a classic Analogue Synthesizer. The warmth, the rich tones, even the circuit noise all add a certain loveliness that a software synth cannot match. The question of soft synth vs hard synth has a clear winner – one that weighs several kilos and comes in a box!

Reissued synths are a way of getting these amazing authentic sounds and the joy of owning a hardware classic, for a fraction of the price of the original. They are usually modernised with new features and connectivity, and sometimes notable negative points of the original have been improved. For example some early synths were notoriously difficult to tune (and stay in tune!) so by correcting these aspects, it can only be considered an improvement in real terms.

For the heretics (and value-hunters) among us I have also included a few cheaper unofficial Behringer clones of synth classics which are great in their own right, and deliver the goods for even less money. To be fair, Behringer have put a lot of love in to these reissues, boasting all-analogue signal chain, and circuit components that are as close to the originals as possible. I wouldn’t use Behringer products in my mastering chain, but their synths are fantastic, and in the cost of living crisis, it makes total sense to explore going “off-brand” in all facets of life.

If you are wondering “which synth should I buy?” here’s a quick guide to 15.5 (you’ll see why it’s 15 & a half later) of the best classic synth reissues, and a few controller keyboard recommendations at the end. Enjoy!

This article will be updated every so often when I see something else that’s groovy, so please bookmark & check back.

1) Roland JX-8p >>> JX-08

Modern Reissue of the Legendary Roland JX-8P from 1985 with New Effects, Polyphonic Sequencer, and More. I had a hardware JX3-p, its predecessor for around 20 years and it was incredible. The JX8-p is considered an upgrade, and this reissue is a beauty!

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44Pl5Sg

2) Roland TB-303 >>> TB-03 / TD-3-BK

The Roland TB-303 (1981) is one of the most legendary in the world of electronic music. The reissue (TB-03) is a compact, affordable, and modernized version that retains the original’s unique sound. Aciiiid!

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/468zkCw

Behringer also make a clone of the 303 for an insanely low price, the TD-3-BK at Just over £100. Bear in mind an original 303 will set you back several thousand (IF you can find one), and just the manual alone sells for several hundred, this Behringer clone is an incredible deal.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LwpuTn

Software alternatives

There are a load of software 303 versions, often with extra features. 2 of the best ones are:

The ACID V by Arturia & the Phocyon 2 by D16

3) Roland TR-606 >>> TR-06 / RD-6-SR

The TR-606 (1981) was designed to be paired with the 303, so a lone singer could have their own bassline and drums without having to organise a band. Then a swarm of electronic artists had different ideas, and music has never been the same again… The TR-06 reissue captures the chunky vibe of the original and adds a wealth Modern Upgrades

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/468I7o6

Yes, Behringer have their own all-analogue clone of this too. Yes, it’s an incredible deal.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48pIH30

Software

The Nithonat by D16 is a fantastic 606 VST

4) Roland TR-808 >>> TR-08 / RD-8

The Roland TR-808 (1980) is the most famous drum machine ever made. The backbone of House music and Hip-Hop, with heavy use across most other electronic genres too, it remains an essential (and incredibly expensive) bit of kit. The reissued TR-08 is a compact, affordable, and modernized version that retains the original’s unique sound.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sNn4cj

The RD-8 Behringer clone also has an all analogue signal path, and is almost half-price again. They are shameless, yes, but also offer a great opportunity to producers who want the real analogue feel without spending too much dosh. 11 individual analogue outputs allows you to record or process your drums in multitrack.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3t81nUr

Software

The Nepheton by D16 is a high-end 808 VST with extra features.

5) Roland TR-909 >>> RD-9

Similar to the 808, but with harder sounds, the 909 grew to become the backbone for Techno and Industrial music, but features in almost all electronic genres too. This all-analogue clone is fat and chunky, with 10 individual outputs and reasonably priced.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48kkISF

Software

The Drumazon 2 by D16 909 simulator completes the holy trinity of classic drum machine VST instruments.

6) Roland SH-101 >>> SH-01A

The Roland SH-101 (1982) is a classic 80s monosynth which is capable of some truly savage tones. There’s just something about it which screams! The reissue (SH-01A) is compact, affordable, and has some new features.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44Xdr8e

7) Moog Minimoog >>> Model D

The Moog Minimoog (1970) is one of the most famous synths ever made, and for good reason. A true icon, the originals are incredibly expensive and rare, and mere mortals like us are unlikely to ever even touch one. The cloned Behringer Model D is pretty darn-tootin’ at a fraction of the price of an original.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44Ul1R6

Software

The Moog Minimoog VST by Universal Audio is the leading software version.

7.5) Moog Minimoog (again) >>> Model D

Here’s why the article is call 15 & a half synth reissues… there is also a polyphonic version of the Minimoog Model D which is also made by Behringer: The Poly D. It’s actually technically paraphonic, which can lead to new and interesting tricks by tinkering with the oscillators. Both these Behringer Moog copies caused controversy, with hardcore synth purists getting upset at their unofficial nature. But if you can look past that, they’re awesome in their own right and an affordable way to get a very similar analogue sound to the original.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RphvLn

8) Prophet-5 >>> Pro-1

A monophonic version of the immensely fat Prophet-5. The Behringer Pro-1 is a great-value clone if you’re looking for a synth like Prophet 5 which recreates the original circuitry and sound.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LpXBfG

Software

The Prophet 5 V by Arturia is a fantastic VST option

9) Novation BassStation >>> BassStation 2

The original (1993) Should really be called the “sound station” due to its flexibility. Earth shattering synth bass, yes! But also lush soundscapes. I had one for many years, and it was a joy to play. The BassStation 2 has been around for a while, and the latest edition has USB and a few new features. Highly recommended.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48k4SXY

10) Roland Juno-60 >>> JU-06A

The Roland Juno-60 (1982) is a classic polyphonic synth. There was one at my college, and I spent as many lunchtimes as I could cranking it up and stressing the PA (and anyone in the surrounding area) with those immense filters. The reissue (JU-06A) is a compact, affordable, and modernized version that retains the original’s unique sound. WANT!

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48j35T9

Software

The Model 84 by Softube is a lovely Juno emulation

11) Roland JD-800 >>> JD-08

The Legendary ROLAND JD-800 (1991) is a vintage icon. The stunning reissued JD-08 has New Effects, Polyphonic Sequencer, and More

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Rjy0c1

12) Roland Juno 60 AND Juno 106! >>> Juno-X

Not a straight “reissue” as such, but worthy of inclusion as the best bits of both these rare legends are combined in a monstrous reissued hybrid synth. The ROLAND Juno-X. Incredible.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44YSLga

13) Korg MS-20 >>> MS-20 Mini / K-2

This is a legendary synth (1978), and for good reason. Semi-modular and with a wicked filter. It’s been reissued twice – the Official Korg MS-20 Mini was overseen by the original team and is a faithful recreation – the only difference is it’s 86% of the size. I have one of these built in to my desk I love it so much!

Behringer have angered the synth Gods again with a much cheaper clone which is sick too. Heretics can pick up an extremely close version for about half the price.

Behringer K-2 version Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44PpmVO

Software

There’s an official software Korg MS-20 VST

Or there’s a bundle of the full Korg collection!

14) Arp Oddysey >>> The Octave CAT >>> CAT

In the spirit of “generational reappropriation” shall we call it, the original Octave CAT was a copy of the ARP Odyssey – a truly groundbreaking synth from the 70’s. Now Behringer have copied the Octave CAT, with their own CAT.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48kPkDq

Software

Cherry Audio make The Octave CAT in VST form

15) WASP >>> WASP Deluxe

Finishing off on a legend. The WASP. This innovative and quirky synth quickly became ingrained into synth lore. This reissue has a wealth of modern features but keeps to the spirit of the original.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48nArAd

Need A Controller Keyboard With That?

Some of these synths don’t have the keyboard attached and need a separate controller keyboard to actually play it, without resorting to using the mouse only in your DAW (yawn!).

In case you don’t already have a controller keyboard, or are looking to upgrade to one with lots of assignable knobs and faders for hands-on control of your DAW and soft synths, here are some great options.

C1) Nektar Impact LX49+

This is the exact controller keyboard I use, so can personally attest to its quality. The drum pads, faders and dials all feel great. USB MIDI Keyboard Controller comes with with Nektar DAW Integration. Recommended.

Price on Amazon (49 key version): https://amzn.to/46hFErt

61 key version: https://amzn.to/46gy6VT

88 key version: https://amzn.to/3Lr2K7d

C2) Nektar Impact LX Mini

Sometimes you only need a compact synth for a portable laptop setup. This has everything and at a great price.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EQdkRe

C3) AKAI Professional MPK261

This lovely 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Assignable MPC Controls with 16 Pads, Q-Links, Buttons and Plug and Play Connectivity is a beast. AKAI are a quality brand, and this is a winner.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/45UVlVO

C4) AKAI Professional MPK Mini

Here’s the AKAI in a mini version to carry with your laptop. A 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3t5mTcM

C5) Alesis Qmini

Since these analogue synth reissues have tweakable knobs and faders built-in already, you don’t necessarily need knobs and faders on your controller keyboard (although they are still very handy for connecting to Soft Synths). This portable 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with velocity sensitive keys is a good value option.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PGNzct

C6) Nektar Impact GX61

For a larger keyboard and quality feel, but without paying for assignable knobs and faders, this USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with Nektar DAW Integration is a great option.

Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sUrWwi

Get Tweaking!

You can get several of these reissues for around the same price as one of the original rare beasts. Sure, the reissues might not smell as musty, or have as many stains as an original, but the sound quality is great and all these have been meticulously engineered to be as close to the original as possible. Have fun tweaking your knobs!

Once you’ve made some fresh tunes with your synth, consider sending it to us for professional mixing / mastering https://fatasfunk.com

Posted on September 5, 2020October 2, 2023 by alternativeblueprint

Zen Mastering – Using Flow State in Audio Engineering

zen mastering in audio engineering article by fat as funk

In this short article I’ll delve into a non-technical side of my audio mastering work – how meditation can help achieve flow state, therefore leading to a more “on-point” mastering result on difficult, or highly varied source material.

If you meet me, you would never guess I was into meditation or anything esoteric. I show no outward affectations of being into the “woo-woo” stuff, as my sister calls it.

When mastering albums where there is a lot of variation in genre, timbre or dynamics, finding the sweet-spot to work outwards from is key. It’s a rookie mistake to make the fattest track as huge as possible first, then have to push mellow tracks up to match it – totally missing the point of the mellow song, and essentially burning the pudding, so to speak.

The opposite is also true. Optimising the mellowest track first will lead to underpowered anthems later on.

Finding the ideal middle ground to start from is like laying the foundation. It all builds from there. Some albums are easier than others to find the best start point. For trickier ones, I often turn to a more esoteric approach.

I am an audio Mastering Engineer. Music producers send me their mixes, and I make them sound better, in a nutshell. I feel very qualified to write about audio mastering, as I have been a professional mastering engineer since 2006.

I would never be so bold as to think I was qualified to write about Zen. However, it has come to be an important part of my life over the last 17 years, including my mastering work, so I am writing a short piece on how it helps me in my job of making music sound awesome.

Zen is directly experiencing life without colouring the moment with our own emotional filters.

My 12 year old son asked me if “flow state” was a real thing (he had seen a YouTube video of someone playing the video game Fortnite in flow state). I had to answer an emphatic “yes”. This sparked one of the most interesting conversations I’d had with my son, and gave me a push to write a little bit on the topic.

I imagine all of us enter flow state on a regular basis without really identifying it.

When you are really into playing a musical instrument, pushing through some exercise, driving on autopilot or even doing the washing up without thought, that’s flow state.

I find my best mastering work happens when I enter flow state, and work on autopilot until I come round after the song nears completion.

The luxury of not over-thinking if an EQ setting is right, or if the compression bumps beautifully comes with experience. Even so, some albums are trickier than others and require more in-depth work. For this I often try to attain a “no-mind thinking” approach for the artistic sides of the job. The technical sides is like painting by numbers, but the creativity of making tracks sound “right” together requires more than just going through the motions.

I’ve heard some opinions that say mastering is purely technical. My opinion is very different. This is why experienced human mastering is better than automated mastering, because in music there is an infinite amount of subtlety and part of the job is getting inside the artist’s head and translating their vision. That needs a human with empathy.

“Thought without thought” is a great state of mind to be in for anything creative. Meditation doesn’t need to be sitting still going “ommmmm”. Personally I never meditate like that.

Moving meditations are key to being able to slip into the “no-mind” thinking while achieving a task. The aim is to push out all extraneous interrupting thoughts and give a purer level of concentration to whatever you do.

Moving meditation can be achieved with mindfulness – the most simple way to do this is to feel deep within every minor thing you do for a while. It gets exhausting at first, but these are the keys to the door, and after a while it will always be open to you and you rarely need the keys.

Practical examples:

Typing? Feel the pressure of every key stroke on your fingertips, the texture of the keys, if there is any dirt buildup on lesser-used ones versus the smoothness of the most used keys.

Walking? Feel the breeze on your cheek, the stones pressing under your feet, the differences in texture of the ground beneath you, the temperature of the air, the difference in pressure and texture of everything you touch, the sound of the leaves in the wind, hear the position of the birds.

Washing up? Feel and focus on the suds running over your hands, the differences in textures on the plates as the grease gets rubbed off, the temperature, the way the sponge presses on your fingertips versus the hardness of the cutlery in the other hand.

The point is to feel and focus on every minor detail in basic actions. This silences the inner monologue and stops distracting thoughts from entering. Once this state of mind becomes familiar, it is easier to enter it. Then it becomes easier to enter flow state generally.

Then it becomes easier to work in flow state.

Overcoming being overcome

Sitting at the computer all day, staring at a monitor and listening to music in a concentrated form for hours is wearing. It is easy to become over-done.

One of my favourite ways to regain my peace and decompress from the digital world is archery. There are so many other methods, but this is my favourite.

If I get into the headspace of feeling like work is getting too intense, I take 10 minutes and shoot a few arrows while using the process as a moving meditation. This always helps refresh me and allows me to finish my mastering job faster and better than if I didn’t take a break.

Of course, archery isn’t for everyone, but you can integrate moving meditation into so many activities that I’m sure you could find something to refresh you quickly in your own way.

Enjoy your music making and audio engineering!

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