Bad Gear - Korg 707 FM Synth

[@Arehexes]

Welcome to Bad Gear, where we watch bad gear perform amazingly.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 🖤

[@midimoog]

Same thoughts here.

[@lookapi]

😁😁😁👌🏼

[@marsupialmicron]

Yeah not a bad performance ever!

[@xisotopex]

its all about the dude or dudette behind the gear... talent can make good music with anything... I have 4 sequencers and I cant finish a f@king track...

[@AmbiguousMotion]

The more I listen to this channel, the more I come to the conclusion there is no bad gear in music industry.

[@AudioPilz]

...or all of it is;)

[@Lalaland.001]

@@AudioPilz Korg 707 is one of those rare quirky synths that relies on a CR2032 coin cell battery to maintain the integrity of ram memory (patches) intact including factory ones. Once this battery runs out it causes a very annoying problem. The contents of memory becomes quite a mess of inexplicable characters on screen and weird sounds to the point you realize that your synth is F* Up. A good town workaround is to restore a backup of ram stored on a external ram card that you can insert on the front slot but many owners of this synth don't have one and the available ones on the market are Perry expensive for what it is. So ... I found a solution. To revive your synth you need FIRST to replace the CR2032 Battery, is not that complicated you have to take apart your synth just couple screws on the bottom. You need a computer any OS including Linux, a Midi interface and a standard din Midi Cable Download a Korg 707 SYSEX file containing l the factory presets I found one, if you can't I will share it with you. You need to download MIDIOX on Win/Linux .. SYSEX Librarian on the mac Connect the midi cable to the midi out of the interface to the midi in on the 707 On the FUNCTION Menu of the 707 you need to ENABLE SYSEX Messages on the MIDI Options and Turn OFF Internal Memory Protection Set your software to transmit SYSEX messages with a Tansmit Speed of 128 bytes and a 600ms Delay - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT Transmit the Sysex file it takes around 2 minutes, you will NOT see anything happen on the 707 screen just leave it untouched After the file finished to transmit go to PROGRAM on the 707, type any number and VOILA !!! your synth has been resurrected. I was sucessful after MANY HOURS of troubleshooting now I have a working synth hope you find this information useful. Excuse my poor English, its not my native language. PS: NEVER REMOVE YOUR KORG 707 INTERNAL BATTERY UNLESS YOU HAVE TO

[@amonster8mymother]

🤣🤣🤣

[@fubokuen]

The more I listen to this channel, the more I come to the conclusion there are no bad Bad Gear episodes...

[@aternias]

It’s all about how you make do with what you have. You can probably turn the sound of a tin can into a rager

[@DaraM73]

Of course, just as the M1 follow up was the 01W (allegedly just the name turned upside down), it seems a shame Korg missed a trick in not calling the 707’s sequel the “LOL”

[@AudioPilz]

Now I can't unsee it😂😂😂

[@janpieternieman5295]

Hahahha most original joke of the century

[@zaremol2779]

I don't think anyone would understand it back then as words like "LOL" were only used by a very niche group of usenet dwellers.

[@alvaroapablaza5471]

like many of the other viewers, sipping on some coffee and enjoying another episode while my wife makes faces cuze she dont get it. Time for some Roland now, you are forced to do the D-50, i think it may be the only rival to yamaha's 80's fm synths. have a great weekend

[@AudioPilz]

Greetings to your significant other;) D-50 is a tough choice, let me take a closer look!

[@twelveeighteen1392]

I think that might be a job for jorb. Have yet to see any d50 slander on the webs as of late.

[@TayTayMakesBeats]

It's always Roland time on Bad Gear™

[@noisetheorem]

The D50 was great, but had TERRIBLE MIDI. It is why MIDI got a reputation for latency. It was fine from it's own keyboard, but send it a note from a sequencer and it was like "oh...you want me to play a note....ok...let me see...this one?". Horrible. Also, it was a very nice sounding synthesizer and that is about it. Making it sound anything but nice was difficult.

[@bobzmuda3940]

@@AudioPilz D-50 isn’t necessarily *bad gear* though. iconic tbh

[@Avernalism]

The Digitone showed me that FM synthesis never had to be a pain in the ass, and I wish more synths took an approach like this.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, fortunately the FM revival is still in full force!

[@studiospiraluniverse]

I just received my Sonicware Liven XFM two days ago. Still to early to give a judgement, but it seems to be a creative approach into FM (besides some groovebox approach) aswell.

[@NunyaB1s]

So my home studio centerpiece is almost ready, my k2661 is supposed to have alot of untapped FM potential (they just couldn't call it that) and while I only ever used it for loops and virtual analog back in the day, I'm looking forward to digging into that beast to see what it can do. I know that I was able to accurately emulate the NES Saw, Square, and Sine back in the day, I'm eager to see what I can do on the FM side.

[@gamma_noize]

I had a Digitone, but i found this macro approach to restrictive. Sure, you get a good number of sweet spot, but not really the pearls in between. The OpSix did it for me. Full access to the FM synthesis, while still being easy to use. :)

[@ZILtoid1991]

I'm a game developer, and I'm writing my own FM synthesizer for my retro game engine, because sound design is just as important as graphics. My synth will have 16 2 operator channels that can be paired up to became 4 operator channels for more complex voices. I even did some preliminary MIDI 2.0 support, but unfortunately no file format can support it yet, which I might have to solve, and that will mean yet another new editor, yet another new file format, etc... Also there's a very lo-fi PCM sampler in the works too, because a lot of "retro" games are awfully hi-fi sounding...

[@joonglegamer9898]

I discovered an FM Monstersynth here the other day, an HS-6 Electone Organ from the late 80s. It sports a whopping 5 of those YM2414 (similar to YM2164, they both have 4 operators and 8 channels), but the main difference is, the HS-6 which disguises as an "organ", is actually an absolute MONSTER FM synth for rich people back then. 5 of these chips inside - YES - FIVE OF THEM, so like 40 individual FM channels! And what's not even known to most, is that the organs FM sound could be programmed, with a special program menu wheel it had on the side, cumbersome sure - but doable!). As tradition would have it, the Organ ALSO comes with After touch, on EACH keybed. A monster that no one knew how to handle back then!

[@AudioPilz]

I have to check that out, thanks for posting!

[@madness8556]

THE Yamaha HS8 and HX1 were the top of the line Yamaha organs in the late 80s and even the previous FX and FS series organs were monster FM instruments.

[@joonglegamer9898]

@@madness8556 In fact, Yamaha was so ahead of time that even the midi commands are capable of sending all kinds of messages for just about everything, I use the organ today with an Roland JD-Xi, everything is supported, aftertouch, changes, sustain, velocity - and the bass even hits the Analog channel as bass. You can do so much with it if you're a lil clever.

[@marsupialmicron]

This was my first real synth. My father gave it to me when I was about 15. Then he bought me a Korg SQD 1 sequencer, and that was that to create the monster I am now!!

[@AudioPilz]

Not a bad starting point!

[@marsupialmicron]

@@AudioPilz yeah! Before that I had a Yamaha pss 570 on which I tried to play depeche mode songs

[@markb9488]

Yes dude, my 707 ain't going anywhere! It can sound really fat with a bit of layering, and quite warm too, so much more to it than 80's video games sounds, though it does them very well. Might just become a classic...

[@garyturner1441]

@@markb9488 Yes! I still have my blue one! Love it for some of the unique sounds it can create.

[@annother3350]

Nice one dad

[@loomPEDAL]

i love this show so much. it arrives in my notifications just as I finish work and, frankly, it's a tonic like no other. Plus, this 707 is dope AF - great for old skool detroit techno

[@AudioPilz]

So happy to hear that! Thanks!

[@xisotopex]

its a mood lifter for me.

[@Rompler_Rocco]

Sweet God, the quality of this show never stops blowing my mind! Really digging that 707 and the conclusion that Florian's new neck tattoo was just a lav mic 🤨😌

[@Rompler_Rocco]

...also, f*#k the Casio Rapman!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! No tats for me;)

[@Beatdrop]

Tracks in this one are really something else. That bass in Jam 2 was incredibly sick.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you! Yeah, bass for days!

[@dynho_b]

Hey Florian, with the 707 you’ve now almost covered my entire synth-collection in bad gear. There are only a few devices left that you have not yet presented so far! I'll scream bingo when you've covered them all! So keep on trying! :-)

[@AudioPilz]

Will happen;)

[@macmanplus]

My first synth setup consisted of two 707, Alesis MMT8 sequencer, and Alesis HR16 drum machine; recorded on a Tascam four track cassette recorder.

[@AudioPilz]

Simpler times!!!

[@josephwright5921]

Why did you buy two of the synths?

[@FIXTREME]

Something else crossed my mind today: The Korg 707 really feels like a high-street, designer version of keyboards like the Casio CT470 or the Yamaha PSS460. Those toys also allowed for synthesis via super simple slider/button input.

[@AudioPilz]

True, the similarities are obvious

[@SteveEdmondsonUK]

The new opsix also has an approach somewhere between subtractive and FM - the historical line back to the 707 is pretty clear!

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed, it was about time the FM revival hit us with full force!

[@gamma_noize]

Yep! The lineage is quite clear. :) I really love my OpSix. It's one of the best synths of 2020 and 2021, imo. The sounds are a nice change compared to the huge wave of new analog gear. I'm kinda excited to see how the Modwave, which should arrive in about two weeks, continues the DW legacy. :)

[@SteveEdmondsonUK]

@@gamma_noize yeah, love mine too! Just deciding if I can afford the modwave! :-)

[@XenoxParticularSound]

For me, the OP6 sounds boring, it has a very good size, a nice display, enough knobs and sliders but the sound sounds very dark to me... i have always the feeling that there is a filter on the higher range... my Montage sounds much, much better on the higher frequencies...!

[@tehedx]

The Opsix, or FM in general is a specific sound. It's very good at what's it good for, and for other things you can better use other gear. For me what's outstanding is: EP's (endless fun), bass and lead sounds. The rest is mostly weirdness/darkness and can't really bother me. Oh yeah, it does the M1 organ and TX81Z lately bass too :)

[@chiefbucknell]

The “Daily Struggle” red button meme with two FM algorithms really made me smile-too perfect, and too relatable!

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, that one had me rofling too!

[@stixvane]

I love to watch you take any peace of gear and make awesome music! It shows that it's not the gear it's the artist...

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@kristianTV1974]

Sounds like a whole bunch of 80's Atari coin ops - that Sitar sound was quite common on their games IIRC.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, the chip in these was quite similar

[@mastercylinder1939]

And that’s bad why? I thought those sounds were good, and the fact it sounded like old video games only endeared it more. And yes, I have a Korg 707, paid only $200 for it. Wanted a DS-8, but this became available.

[@johnhurd3257]

I think the portamento on the 707 sounds like a 80's video game effect. It has a stepping sound on long glides. It's useful at times. I wish it could be a choice on the portamento edit page.:)

[@Essjay88]

I remember when these were in the shops.... watching your video.... I could smell it! I thought it was very nice at the time and it still sounds great now. You made me want one again. Thanks for the videos... super work as ever.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@lundsweden]

They should strap all the Casio Rapmans to a rocket on a one way journey to the Sun. The 707, however is alright! I don't even think its cheesy, its underrated, or WAS underrated before this episode!

[@AudioPilz]

Maybe some of the space billionairs can help;)

[@foxholeartist]

"Older sibling of Sega Genesis" Genesis actually was my first notion of synth music. Dune 2 or Soldiers of Fortune soundtracks still bangs

[@AudioPilz]

Love Sega Soundtracks!

[@Juuhazan_]

When it comes to music, Genesis does what Nintendon't!

[@ElazulVGM]

@@Juuhazan_ yeah FM vs rompler is a pretty one sided fight

[@parisgraphics]

ok now pretty much every bit of gear i use has been on "bad gear" lol. still it's fun watching this channel even if everything i use is "bad"

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! One man's Bad Gear...

[@kevinlangley9644]

I hear ya!!!! Im the same way. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I happened to have enjoyed my old 707 and alot of the gear ive had thats been on this channel. Truth be told if i happen upon another 707 I'll get it. I had a yamaha csx1 that alot of people didn't like but used it alot in many recordings. Only thing i disliked about it was the fact the arpeggiator didnt transmit over midi but hey i had other synths with arpeggiators.

[@charlesflint9048]

As for using FM gear, I have just retrieved from on top of my wardrobe a Novation A Station rack mount which provides both FM and digital synthesis. It is a bit fiddly to use, being just a single rack mount but I am now really enjoying playing with this again after over 15 yrs. It shows to me not to trash any musical instrument at all ever. I love them all,( that reminds me to try to find the Roland JV 1010 that is hiding in my stuff somewhere; a small half rack machine that has many really good sounds).

[@danieklerr]

The 707 sounds amazing, as I have a soft spot for cheesy FM synths. The 707 also doesn't sound very different from my PSS collection, and PSR-36, and I have to believe the Spectrum slider is directly ripped from these designs.

[@AudioPilz]

I have to dig deeper when it comes to the PSSes!

[@waynesilverman3048]

Would b good for psych this synth (just curious )

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@AudioPilz I grew up with the PSS270. Its glass bell sound, “crystal” (number 88) is what got me to fall in love with FM from a young age! It’s also a neat keyboard because it has stereo line out. Also, a lot of the groups of presets are the exact same patch but with different ADSR envelopes, so the choice is bigger than one might expect from a preset-only keyboard.

[@MCBrainpower]

Another legendary thumbnail!!!!! And a Mon Calamari mention blended with a Yeezy reference is pure bliss!!! The other 707 episode is already a future classic….And I think I need one of these ✌🏼🤍 🎹

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@maddinfeist808]

That 707 broship is real! They go really well together and I just started searching for protohouse nerdtrance playlists ✌🏽

[@AudioPilz]

True that! Great combination!

[@timlloydsmithfineart1254]

Love your show as always. You’re slowly working your way through reviewing my collection lol. Ds8 as we know has same electro guts as 707, but not as cute face. Changing battery fiddlesome - needs de soldering! So when I did mine I added a snap in holder, popular fix. Restored presets via sysex. Up for sale now, regrettably.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Nice technique!

[@nixinedoesvgm]

all those footages of trent destroying dx7s lmao you really are something, dude.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! He REALLY likes them DX7s;)

[@dc9662]

I come to the channel for the reviews, but I stay for the references. Always killing it with the deep cuts, dude.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@JJohnkkttran]

Love this thing! Had no idea there was a more dynamic FM synth that tried to implement a subtractive synth editing style. Looks like genuine fun to play with unlike many of the DXs. Reminds me of the faux subtractive style editors on my old Yamaha PSS-370!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! I have to check out that PSS!!!

[@davedagreat69]

@@AudioPilz also you could try the 470 and 570, all very similar. If only you lived close you could borrow my PSS 570. The problem is that all the of the above are fairly well loved, so not really bad gear.

[@JJohnkkttran]

@@davedagreat69 Yep! They're amazing with their programable drum machines and editable synth sounds. A great thing to have for quick and cool FM sounds. If they had MIDI I feel like they'd go for much more!

[@JJohnkkttran]

@@AudioPilz Definitely do! It's kind of a little kids groovebox with it's programable drum machine and synth sounds. Also your Digitakt video finally put me over the edge and I shelled out the $$$ for it! After having a TR8 and Electribe 2 Sampler, I felt the same way about them that you did. Cool, but not entirely for me. I'm instantly in love with the digitakt. The groovebox features seem suspiciously similar to my old long gone MC-505 and the old school sampler reminds me of my (long gone) Ensoniq EPS. Amazing!

[@markb9488]

A great little synth, terribly underrated, I've had mind for nearly 20 years, still has a sound or two to compliment the modern stuff, and those basses!

[@tedstahl3794]

Keytar and Mullet: Achievement Unlocked!

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah! Check out the Yamaha SHS-10 episode. Plenty of keytar & mullet scenery;)

[@els1f]

I love the sound of FM synthesis so much😌

[@AudioPilz]

I'm warming up to it too (no pun intended;)

[@easyneal]

This is my favorite series on you tube by far. Thanks for making this content!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!

[@secretelitemusic]

I remember seeing people using them as keytars on TV, but I managed to resist the temptation ( because I had a Casio AZ1) This particular synth never really floated any of my boats. Possibly because I had a TX802 on ice harp duties (16 poly/6 op) , an MKS7 for the basses of dw00m and wooshpads, and a K3M for the demonic squealings. The Korg DS8, on the other hand, is a heavyweight screamer that's well worthy of a Good Gear episode.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice collection of noisemakers;)

[@secretelitemusic]

@@AudioPilz : Everything except the Casio was racked or tied down with bunjees. The Casio got replaced by a Roland piano after a fatal collision with a bass guitar. The fate of many a flimsy keytar.

[@Nobiag]

Your videos are absolute gold! So glad you do this and it really looks like you put lots of work into this channel. Combining synthesizer reviews with all these memes and movie references works very well and your jams are actually quite impressive as well. Thanks and please keep on going!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!

[@klaassiersma4892]

I remember them coming out just before the M1, i was always intrested in one. Always liked how they look( just as good a reason to buy something).

[@AudioPilz]

I like the design too!

[@BoxPossum96]

The Homer Simpson "DOME" skit caught me off guard lol. Your editing skills are God tier.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@MrPommesgabel93]

Thanks for making an episode about the korg 707! I have owned a DS-8. When the battery runs flat, the patch memory is overwritten with random values. This results in corrupted patches, which sound really bleepy/noisy/circuitbend-ish. On my DS-8 I just had to initialize the machine and reload the stock patches via SysEx. After that everything was back to normal. The DX7 for example shows similar behavior when you remove the battery.

[@AudioPilz]

Good to know, I hope it works similarly on the 707

[@tubeMonger]

Firstly, I'm amazed at how you can come up with your videos every week - there is just so much there! It's time to create a pattern or two with my Digitone Keys. Thanks for the inspiration and reviewing yet another synth I didn't know exists.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! Digitone, nice!!!

[@airsickgrove]

Mmm Coffee & a fresh episode of Bad Gear... Good Times!

[@AudioPilz]

Mmmmmmh, coffee;) Thanks!

[@HazyJ28]

Every Friday without fail. Starts my weekend off right. This show rocks dude 🤙 And I'm stoked to see your channel growing so fast.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@niallmacdonald2710]

But you missed the obvious... when you use it like a keytar, you're standing there with a sign saying clearly LOL to the audience.. Priceless.

[@AudioPilz]

So true! How could I not see this???

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

This synth has a great sound it seems! It does not have to do everything, but in this video, every example sounds good!

[@AudioPilz]

Much recommended!

[@barilochebarracuda846]

I dreamed of one as an 80's kid. I would go to play it in the keyboard shop every saturday afternoon. Even its 'affordable' price was way too high for a kid back then :)

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, they were quite expensive compared to the budget Yamahas

[@MarneusAndMilkyBlood]

Incredible little machine! Very cool demo! And never leave out the keytar part!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! Keytar 4 life!!!

[@GeorgeL909]

I wonder if this is the basis for Chiangmai in Korg Gadget... The 707 is a bit more feature rich, but it definitely bears a lot of similarities, especially the 2x2 op setup with subtractive filter. Great vid as always.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! It would be great to have this confirmed

[@counivers]

I was waiting for this one! You go through all my gear systematically :-D But the 707 is not bad - it's GREAT!

[@AudioPilz]

There should be Bad Gear in every household;)

[@fisk0]

Love the sounds of the 707. I think I already have enough FM synths though, and if I'd get another one I'd probably go with an OpSix. Wonder how well the OpSix could emulate the sounds of this one though.

[@AudioPilz]

The UI is completely different but the sound engine should be able to keep up

[@drd9973]

You really push the devices and your music is always fresh!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@brianbergmusic5288]

The demolition clips from NIN shows gave me an inner giggle. Your "Jam 2" was awesome. I have a soft spot for well made 16-bit VG-soundtracks.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Mr. Reznor, king of DX7 destruction!

[@tonydotnottingham]

@@AudioPilz DX9 I think - brown case. Cheaper to pickup secondhand, metal cases could take some punishment - which they definitely received!

[@DRRNNDGL]

@@tonydotnottingham nah they were dx7s

[@neuronmind]

Audiopilz you made my day !

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@onlychld6121]

Jam 2 is a classic already! Sounds so good

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@kiko1935]

I love how you pronounce Yamaha. Not saying it's a wrong pronunciation, just different from what I've heard. And the 707 rocks my socks, always wanted a pink one

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Pink is the one to get!

[@garyturner1441]

I love my blue one! :)

[@Stoney3K]

"14-14" sounds like it could be a perfect name for a late 80s Berlin-style techhouse production act.

[@AudioPilz]

True that!

[@Jesiahjesiah]

Couldn't figure it out until this episode, but it's clear! Our host is the long lost bearded twin of Sean, the host of Hot Ones. It all makes so much sense now!

[@AudioPilz]

The show with Bad Gear and even worse English;)

[@tmccormick892]

Nice video! I just picked up a DS-8 today for a reasonable price and I'm digging the weighted keys and easier menus. It also has onboard FX that really help out the sound. Mine came with a bunch of custom presets but I'm going to try my hand at some presets once I dump them on the computer

[@AudioPilz]

The FX on the DS-8 must be really nice!

[@wadek5457]

I appreciate your work! It's always very nice when you post a video

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Happy to hear that!

[@apolloc.vermouth5672]

I had been scarred for life by my DX21, but this is one 4-op FM synth I can get behind!

[@AudioPilz]

FMPTSD is real;)

[@anomaly394323]

That "Contra" Timbre Wolf that shows up near the beginning of video is the one that inspired me to pull mine apart and refinish it!

[@AudioPilz]

I found that one quite inspiring too!

[@gregmillions77]

Just catching this episode. I had one of these back in the late 1990s... and now I wish I had it back. I traded it to a friend at a liquor store for two kegs of decent beer for a parents-out-of-town party. Not a bad deal, but this episode makes me second-guess it after all these years.

[@AudioPilz]

Mmmmmmh, beer;)

[@illustriouschin]

Another epic review. Come on algorithm, choose AudioPilz!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Working on it;)

[@WalterGalindo]

On the form factor alone i'd rock the 707 in my live rig right now, i love the whole M1 design language, and look mom NO MINI KEYS!!!!

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, funky little keyboard!

[@iancain6647]

I'm running low on ways to tell you how much I love your show.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@henryg8855]

Would really enjoy seeing the Casio CZ line covered! They are very similar to the DX7 in that they are not very intuitive, very underrated!

[@lookapi]

👌🏼👌🏼

[@AudioPilz]

Which one would be a good starting point?

[@lookapi]

@@AudioPilz i think what you get! CZ 230s ,101 ,1000 ,3000, 5000/its w seq/

[@lookapi]

Cz230s is preset except last 4 memo place 96-99 ...which editable with computer. It has drums with seq and memory

[@henryg8855]

@@AudioPilz Personally, if you wanna get into all the cz line has to offer, I would start with the 5000 (has a built in 8 channel sequencer) or the 3000/1. Thanks for replying! Hope to see this covered :)

[@thejra-gon6991]

Yusss...roll a J, kick back, synnnthh sounds, and the greatest gear reviews around... paradise!

[@AudioPilz]

Cheers!!!

[@thejra-gon6991]

@@AudioPilz also getting mega micro korg vibes, after playing a loaned one all month, I definitely can hear some familiar stuff

[@williambrown319]

You know, I'm just going to have to get another building just for all the synths you keeps showing me I need.

[@AudioPilz]

I have to sell the first generation of Bad Gear instruments now, my storage area is full;)

[@williambrown319]

@@AudioPilz well then...maybe we can work something out

[@dyF.6]

Cya next time bro, keep em coming! Favorite friday treat!

[@AudioPilz]

❤️

[@superikone]

Wow! Impressed of what you are able to get out of these boxes… never heard a K707 fancy like that. 👍🏻

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@DjangoFlaherty]

The quality of this whole video is off the chart!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!

[@benjaminbrand3714]

Gotta love the Alises coming in clutch whenever you need those sick 80's beats!

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, it's 80s in a box!!!

[@mrz80]

@@AudioPilz Well, maybe that and a D-110 :D

[@cammellsound5400]

Real hidden gem, this one. Very nice keyboard feel too.

[@AudioPilz]

Love that one too!

[@robert__]

shoutout Tony Iommi! another great episode

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Black Sabbath = best band!!!

[@AndorBioletaAdv]

I have one of this in my parents house! I dont play it since 1994! Its almost new! Already thought to sell it, but was my very first keyboard. Watching this video reminds me many times trying to make some good sounds without sucess☹️ Maybe its about time to back im to live again! Great show!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Yeah, that thing should be played!!!

[@garyturner1441]

Dig it out and have some fun with it! Granted, it does not do everything, but it came out in 1987 and was very unusual for what it does with FM synthesis AND having a portable, battery powered instrument that can be used to solo on! Very rare at the time it was released just before the M1 came out in 1988. Love blue 707!

[@MyOtheHedgeFox]

The Casio Rapman looks like a joke: boring frame with a few splotches of annoying orange, rhythms so bad even Sega Game Gear would sound like a banger, and all it's good for is making your rap lines sound as terrifying as they are terrible. It is, however, a decent piece of gear worth reviewing, so have some completely unsubstantiated criticism to fill up the Bad Gear Meter. =) You’re doing an amazing job!

[@mootbooxle]

sounds amazing!

[@sussvarman]

@@mootbooxle dude i used to watch your diy talkbox video all the time hahahaha

[@mootbooxle]

@@sussvarman Haha awesome! Hard to believe it’s been this many years!

[@mootbooxle]

@null It is an honor and a privilege.

[@whiskyandsynths]

LOVED the tune you made with this dude!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@KiR_3d]

Wow! It seems even more useful than DX7! If it could have more operators then it could be DX7 killer for that time. You do make great reviews!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@anthonyrothercom]

this guy manage to make great tracks with all that BAD GEAR... loved it

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks, Anthony!!!

[@gamma_noize]

I was looking into getting a 707, but then the OpSix came out and i went for the OpSix instead. The OpSix seems to be the big sequel to the 707 and it really doesn't disappoint. :) On the OpSix you can have FM, RM, FilterFM and additionally filters and wavefolders as operators. It's so deep, but still kinda easy to use. The best hardware FM synth, i've tried so far.

[@AudioPilz]

The OpSix is indeed tempting!

[@valley_robot]

Nearly bought one the other day

[@ChamiCh]

I love my opsix! Someone thought "hey what if we crammed a fancy subtractive mod matrix inside the algorithms of an FM synth", and then did that. And it worked! It's a great fm that also does so much more.

[@gamma_noize]

@@ChamiCh Yep. It would've already been a great instrument, if it only would do FM. But the addition of RM, Filter FM, Filters and Wavefolders as operators opens up so damn many possibilities no other synth currently has and the freely configurable user algorithm then shoots it over the moon. :D

[@Gerald_Daniel]

What I wanted to write long since and among others is so exceptional about you: You grasp that gear' s potential without prejudice, whereas in KEYS' Retro Zone the 707 got fully slated. (Concerning vintage) I have and had almost any essential instr. Starting (mini) from VL-tone to KORG DDM-110 (as a confirmation gift) until later to clunky, fragile gear, partly too heavy to lift alone.(In the near future YAMAHA GS2 is coming up & one won't t believe that this rarity just got grabbed from willhaben... Among others an HS-8 organ with internal fully programmable tx81z was seen there (a very recommendable monstrosity. Its Ens.-FX alone were worth the few hundret bucks.) That the expressive, noisy, partway brutal, same as crystal clear tone of the deadly cheap KORG DS-8 rose to my very No.1, unfortunately required a myriad of pricier gear' that had turned out almost redundant, If I had gotten DS-8 earlier. Also its FX unit accomps it so well. Fave. 2 is Waldorf XT/30 Voice (6-Voice poly unison per key dignifies any WT with otherworldly impact). 3 is Nordlead 3 w. 4 OP FM/morphing. Love 4 is AN1x same by FM/morph/Free EG but which unround VA-tone has to be ediited out every time first. No. 5:: DX200. Any of those 5 instr. I rate above cult items like Jupiters, Junos, Prophets, even above my former beloved OB-8, same as above any other (old) 4- & 6 OP device, If being forced to select. Happy Easter!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for the great input!

[@AudioPilz]

Don't forget to hate the Casio Rapman!!! Take a look at 10:17

[@RomPackRomPack]

It's a pretty terrible Casio and i love most of them. It's quite good fun when you feed the signal back into the mic input though. You should probably do Casio VA-10 at some point too. That's definitely bad gear

[@Pablo668]

Great review again. I love the intro with those supervillains flying in wearing the latest in Austrian Fashions!!

[@AudioPilz]

Yodel;)

[@CaptainAlbatross]

Leia’s. Absolutely brilliant 😂 Nice basses though! Seems like a solid piece of gear, even though I don’t like fm-sounds at all. Awesome tunes as usual!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@JonathonChilders]

“Partly Evil 1414” jam is why you are the GOAT 🐐🔥

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mallery7]

One of my first synths from back in high school. Sounds like good gear to me ;)

[@AudioPilz]

I like that one too!

[@40rinteractive]

Amazing sounds man, I'd love to hear an entire album made with this amazing synth!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Yeah, that one is surprisingly versatile

[@OscillatorCollective]

If I’m not mistaken, this synth is legendary in early DETROIT TECHNO …

[@markb9488]

You're right, whole lotta Detroit in this little synth, have had mine for over 20 years...

[@OscillatorCollective]

@@markb9488 nice…ok cool, I remember digging deep into early Detroit Techno and most of the guys talked about this synth. I think I would rather have this than a DX7, just because of its user interface.

[@markb9488]

@@OscillatorCollective Yes bro, FM can be a bugger to programme and get good sounds out of, the 707 makes it a lot easier to get great sounds quickly. I used to have a software editor for it years ago, I think there are still editors as well as DAW intergration software too. I think these will become classics very soon, so get one while you can!

[@AudioPilz]

True that!

[@lars-fenin]

this and the dx 100 and dx 11

[@Interstellarsun]

I've never heard of this, but it gives me the vibe of a 90s video game album

[@AudioPilz]

It's very closely related to the Sega Genesis

[@Interstellarsun]

@@AudioPilz digging the sound of it

[@reggiep75]

FM synthesis - when science does synthesis. The music dudes, I used to hang out with in the mid 90's had a DX21 and after a few days with it, I still didn't understand it. It took the right software and a few books in the late 90's/early 00's to understand it, and yet I still avoid it. Gimme a tone bar organ synth VST for additive synthesis, that's so much easier. One thing I will say that FM does right is bass - right big, chunky, killer bass! 04:10 - I still laugh at the stepping of 80'd digital LFO's.. I'm a unique one aka strange! 😂

[@AudioPilz]

The stepping of the LFO certainly has a comical effect;)

[@georgenewman5860]

Nice video, it brings back quite a few memories. I bought one of these in the late 80's kind of on a whim. I'd been wanting a real synth for a while and was out shopping with my sister. We went in a music store and were looking around and they had the Korg 707 and the Yamaha DX27S both priced at $500. I didn't have much cash but my sister said we could use her credit card and I could pay her back. Choosing between the two, I liked the extra octave and the built in speakers of the Yamaha, but also liked the aftertouch on the Korg. Somehow the Korg won the day and became my platform for working with MIDI on my Atari ST. Good times, but I think the Yamaha may have been the better choice in hindsight. I still have the Korg but it hasn't powered up in a couple decades. I gotta open it up and see if I can figure out how to fix it...

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@GerenM63]

Nice "review" of the 707. My first proper synth of my own was a used Korg DS-8 I picked up somewhere around 1989. And, I really wouldn't mind getting a 707 or a DS-8 again now. There some videos on KZbin that show various versions of how to deal with the dead battery issue.

[@johndjameson]

Any old synth with a coin cell battery will have similar issues. You can solder in a new battery or battery holder (or have someone else do it) and it should good for another 10 years. Though a dead battery is a great way to generate “random” presets

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! I'm just not sure if I actually need a RAM card or if I can rescue the synth vie Midi Dump

[@AudioPilz]

Obviously the entire OS gets scrambled😬

[@markb9488]

Noice!!!! You nailed it dude, 80's video game magic and some juicy basses... Not bad at all... Great review, thanks man! Oh, and the finale tune was dope...

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@Wrnrgaming]

I can't say it enough. If I had a radio channel I would hire you for night beats.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@pedech]

This episode has the best support tracks you created so far. Nice.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@4523167098]

"Nerd stuff aside", he says in a video entirely about extremely nerdy stuff :D

[@AudioPilz]

We haven't reached peak nerd yet;)

[@ishroyer222]

You absolute madman, you actually tracked one down hahaha. You need to have one of the memory cards after changing the battery to un-fcuk the internal presets, I think it might also require some sysex magic - but I seem to recall that card as being the solution. Unfortunately, I can’t remember if the M1 cards work or not and anything involving the 707 usually involves turning on eBay notifications

[@AudioPilz]

Yup, it wasn't easy (I had to go to the outskirts of Vienna for this one). Thanks for the heads up! Is the card only for the presets or do I need it for the OS as well?

[@ishroyer222]

@@AudioPilz that’s the hilarious element of the way this thing scrambles internal memory - Even if you have the ‘presets’ card, you need the memory card to reset the system. I think it should restore with the memory card alone but only having the ROM cards means only playing the ROM cards. It makes no sense why you can’t restore it with sys-ex alone but as is life for the obsolete 90s synthesizer (still a fun lil guy though, isn’t it?)

[@kimwilliamjustice6945]

I didn't realize the Neuromancer movie was so far along in production.

[@AudioPilz]

Certainly gonna watch it on the big screen;)

[@cooptrol]

Ha I didn't have this one, but I got ahold of a DS8 many years ago in my crazy FM rush. It was pretty fun and sounded different from other Yamahas with the same chip. Liked the blue LCD display too. Sold it to a church keyboard player, he brought a blanket to wrap it up and take it on the bus.. Damn thing was heavy too!!

[@AudioPilz]

Nice! I still have to try the DS8!

[@technodrone313]

you dug up a gem with this one. maybe ill break out the volca fm this weekend.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! That one is really fun to work with!

[@valley_robot]

The volca fm is still my favourite synth, wish I’d never sold it , I was getting really good at creating patches for it ,it was complicated but so deep

[@technodrone313]

@@valley_robot theres a pajen firmware for it. i love mine especially since i got a keystep. i have a few good analog synths too but this one is a keeper.

[@Dudderlyful]

THIS week on actually not so bad gear! FM GOODNESS = FRIDAY MMMMMMMM GOODNESS

[@AudioPilz]

This one was really fun!

[@tomblaze2]

707 on 707 finale blew my mofo mind bro 😎 - I could listen to that fm synth and 707 drum groove ALl Night

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@MD_Builds]

:D ok... I really love that you embraced the HAHA in your pronunciation :D (though i do feel bad i mentioned it that one time, but almost proud i may have spawned a new meme for you :D )

[@MD_Builds]

ohhh i need some more of that nerd trance :D

[@AudioPilz]

I have yet to find out how it is actually pronounced;)