How to replace a Volca FM 2 for free. | GAS Therapy #31

[@RumchugMusic]

Just stumbled across your channel. You're doing us synth nerds a great service.

[@BoBeats]

Fun video. Loving the style.

[@playpm]

Much appreciated! Salute from a long term fan 🙌

[@TeslaDanser]

Vidgeo

[@RadioBluesPR]

“Even the MOST PATIENT KZbinR LOOPOP…” 😂😂😂😂😂😂 this made me LOL

[@FullCircle11]

so glad i found this channel a while ago, we must protect this man at all costs! totally honest, totally accurate, with an edge of wittiness and clever humor. I'm broke and channels like these help me realize maybe I DONT need all that expensive hardware

[@TheNotSneakyNinjaa]

Can I just say how lovely your voice and accent is to listen to! It has a rythm that's so comforting that I'd watch these vids even if I wasn't suffering from GAS

[@playpm]

Oh thanks for the kind words, I'm trying to get rid of my Chinglish accent but got no luck, it's a 30years burning 😆

[@KentBuchla]

@@playpmyour accent rocks.

[@ruffiankick]

Been using Dexed for a couple years. I love this VST.

[@jolieuke]

Just discovered your channel, in only 2 videos, you saved me 1800$. THANKS!

[@everybodyhasoul5438]

Love your channel! The hero we need in the fight against GAS!

[@No.0.o.0]

Before I knew any better I bought Komplete in 2011 and learned FM8 but Dexed is sweet and very powerful. Great video

[@macmichi77]

WOW! Great channel, i am so happy that i found it in time! I adore people like you, david hollowitz or flloyd steinberg, who are able to break everything down to what it really is about and what all those fancy looking peaces of gear are made of and what they are suposed to do......

[@kyriakosxanthopoulos3468]

Thank you ,once again Michael for curing our GAS. thank you for expressing the truth so openly and for inspiring us to making music with our humble and cheap tools. lt would be nice if you could evaluate and review how good is each caustic 3 module,compared to the hardware it "replicates". Thank you again.

[@playpm]

There are no same leaves in the world, hope there're software haters who are willing to prove this for you, I'd rather make more videos on how to make more interesting music ;)

[@the_real_minus]

@@playpm I like owning hardware and using it. Of course, it’s also about looking cool. However, option paralysis is a thing. The most complete music I’ve done was either in Garageband, Groovebox, the OP-Z and the OP-1. All of those are limited in one way or another. I make music as a hobby and I’ve used Ableton and Logic. I’m making progress with Ableton but the sheer amount of parameters, buttons and elements on the screen can be intimidating for me. Nevertheless your arguments are very strong and I’m more aware of the fact that sometimes buying hardware is not to make better music but maybe just to make me feel better. I now only try to buy hardware that actually has a purpose in my workflow.

[@dachipbag4405]

There is also a plug in called OPS7 from plogue music that has cycle accurate emulation for the old dx7, even better than arturia for 30 dollars

[@23jackleeder]

Dig what you're saying and mainly agree. Your solution assumes a few things though: Ownership of an appropriate computer already, and a download connection. No time spent on OS, apps and updates getting in the way. Electricity consumption. No virus or security bothers. With all those things considered I reckon the Volcas have a lot of appeal. Unless your head is fully inserted into a digital lifestyle computing orifice already (which applies to most people). I like to get creative without those privacy invasions, timewastes or compromises. And when or if I'm done with the hardware I can sell it on. I use a calculator to do sums. I use a clock to tell the time. I make beats on a drum machine and I use a computer for admin. Separate devices for specific tasks. Goggle Aaple n Microsoft don't own my creative processes. Cool stuff all the same. Love your humour. Subbed!

[@Darmstadtiensis]

Thank you for your opinion, your informations and for your performance!

[@clacclackerson3678]

One of your best, thanks. Although I am much older than you you remind me of my father!

[@impactxl]

Salute from Toronto, Canada. You are hilarious 😂

[@TriangleWaveRecords]

You got a new subscribe from me. I watched the Syntakt video and while I still want to buy it (hahaha), I absolutely appreciate this series of videos. Cheers!

[@lumm71]

Today just found your Channel. Thanks for the great hints about avoid buying gear. You are so right: Everything you need to get creative is there without paying for it. But sometimes I love to touch knobs to control sound.

[@RumchugMusic]

I don't think he expects us to go super minimalist, sell all of our gear, and use only a lap top. Rather just to try some of these things next time you get the itch to buy more gear.

[@darkwing11]

For some people, they want tactility. But there will be those who are fine with GarageBand. (currently learning how to use Logic Pro via free trial, which is more featured than GB)

[@Drop2-G]

Great video, and for the most part I would agree that having the same tool (with more freedom) for free, makes it hard to justify the price of a Volca FM2. However there is something to be said about physical music gear and the way we interface with such devices, I myself enjoy the workflow and tactile nature of physical devices, not to mention a lot of the music I produce is made when away from my pc/daw, so having a tiny dx-7 that I can take anywhere, hooking it up to a PO-32 for a drum machine and a MPK mini makes for a nice on-the-go setup. This ends up been around a third of the price on an OP-1, which my GAS goes crazy when I see how much an OP-1 is right now. As for Dexed, I do use it for making new programs/param's when at my pc and then just send them over to the Volca FM2 once I'm happy with them. Thank you for an amazing video and as always, Have an awesome day.

[@annother3350]

Dexed has crap, glitchy realtime manipulation -- the FM2 is worth the money for the realtime controls

[@Drop2-G]

@@annother3350 Dexed is really only useful for making new patches, as a live interface it is honestly painful to use

[@brawndlydiaz8781]

You have your priorities straight

[@Dt3kno]

Thanks great video👍🏼…. If you have a iPad and volca fm close by download Patch base and select volca Fm . You can program your volca fm faster, you can send new sound to your volca Fm and you have bigger screen to see what going on.

[@gnumusic-brian]

Dex can even be built from source on a $50 raspberry pi

[@lundsweden]

True: I sold my Volca FM MK1 and now used Dexed instead. Its better, I have more money in the bank and my desk looks less cluttered!

[@myntti]

Thank you for the samplepack! And thank you for preaching fm synthesis to the masses :)

[@listenin007]

Great video, but it’s a simple argument that can apply to just about any hardware synth, sequencer, pedal, etc. At the end of the day, changing the context of how one makes music does inspire. And I’d go so far as to say that even using a different DAW will inspire different and unique sounds. Is it worth the money and time? I think it depends on the person. Sometimes it might just be if it results in a song that otherwise would not have been made.

[@teak6306]

very nice beat demo track Michael, love to hear more of that : ]

[@stevendiamond1080]

Hahaha my days I use both FM and Dexed and also own the DX7, it's my oldest synth. I so agree on this video you are simply a Star !

[@skummelkatt]

Like you I found the Dexed to do all the FM-work I need. It’s an amazing soft synth. Thank you for the download link to all those patches! Keep up the good work!

[@annother3350]

No smooth manipulation though....

[@jlmartin63]

Absolutely great. Thanks a lot.

[@skevosmavros]

Interesting that you mentioned the Caustic Android app. I love that thing, despite it not being updated for five years. The little DX7-inspired synth built in, along with everything from a bass to a tiny modular rack emulsion. It even has the ability to export a series of samples of your synth creations, to be used on an external sample player. Amazing app.

[@illford]

Due to it not being updated it sadly doesn't work on newer phones due to the stupid file manager thing in Android

[@skevosmavros]

@@illford just tried it here and I can still open projects. I'm on a pretty recent samsung s21 ultra.

[@johnnycomelately2370]

SynprezFM is a good one too

[@everpuremusic]

Ok, this is fun. And true - Dexed is awesome. But the "randomise" feature is not just totally random. It actually produces pretty musical results almost all of the time. So there. :)

[@stonedrecluse2833]

Great job, Michael! You made me give Dexed another try. The day I make using Dexed or any other VST mouse-free and thus tactile shall be the happiest day ever 🙈

[@illford]

I mean I think I'm some DAWs you can map the knobs on the keyboard to be dynamic, so in theory you could move it around the operators

[@snaggdadon]

wooow awesome vid brother thank you!!

[@Raaf_81]

Great video! You are right. Now I got dexed. And the presets. Subbed!

[@RCAVDH]

Great video, Thanks!

[@bpblog]

Enjoyed the video, great stuff!

[@playpm]

Appreciated, enjoy your emails and plugins too!

[@glenndavis8273]

Thank you. Needed this one!

[@jackcimino8822]

I have compared the Volca FM 2 to OPS7 (another DX7 emulation) via an audio interface (MOTU M2) and Renoise. They sounded so close to each other that I sold the Volca FM 2. Also, KQ Dixie got an update that lets you turn off the LPF and delay, making it sound closer to a DX7.

[@oskie66skye]

Thanks a lot,bro!

[@dumbouche8389]

Love your work!!

[@nigelrogers8690]

Loving your work 👏🏾👏🏾

[@kentaccordionist]

I have the sonicware liven xfm, it’s only 4 operator, like the dx100, dx21 etc, but it sounds great and has built in 4 track sequencer. There are lots of really good fm synths on ipad. Dexed, KQ Dixie which also supports dx7 patches, fm4 which is a four operator fm synth that’s really easy to use, Audiokits fm2, and BLEASS Omega being the top ones.

[@mrz80]

Compared to the Volcas, the XFM has got a lot more bang for the buck.

[@dingalarm]

​@@mrz80It's also nearly twice the price of the FM2 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@smashSpikeMC]

yess yes dexed I already use it, it is gnu gpl software freedom go burr also I recommend you click the "parm" button and change engine resolution I prefer the {modern 24 bit} also for randomizing I like to right click random in a software called carla a host plugin

[@sergitocaruso]

Thanks a lot, your videos are always inspiring, I enjoy the culture spread you do :)

[@forsale313]

Thank you so much for your uploads, I thought it was just me (anything one of those boxes can do Me and my PC can do it better with FREE VST's). Keep telling the truth, sooner or later they will figure it out. LMAOOOO Thanks again.

[@mrz80]

I'll admit to spending a little bit of money for VSTs, but $30 each for Cherry's DSO-106 and EightVoice beats the living daylights out of $2k (last price I saw for a really cherry used Juno106, never mind how much a vanishingly rare Oberheim Eight Voice would cost!) Pretty much everything else around here that goes beep boop or woosh is a free plugin - Dexed, PG-8x, Tyrell N6, ExaktLite, DecentSampler, and the list goes on and on and on :D. For a guitarist with itchy fingers like me, a used MIDI controller keyboard and a linux box full of soft synth goodness beats the living daylights out of filling my home office/studio with racks of old synths.

[@pensoamordigofuria3203]

Very nice Michael! Thank u!

[@synthesizedchill8258]

I like the way you think. I like hardware more than vsts, though. The limitations of hardware isn't that big of a deal for me. I own about 10k in software, and I could probably make any sound ever heard with it, but I still get more inspired by hardware. I will agree that software is easier in most ways, but I hate using a mouse to scroll through folders etc. I would rather use knobs and buttons.

[@playpm]

That's why I use a free sample manager, ADSR sample manager, to preview with keyboard all the way, I don't use mouse, only trackpad and keyboard.

[@ottodude555]

I love your videos!!

[@SEONNTHAPRODUCER]

Haha, that was awesome. Great job, Michael.

[@mirllewist3086]

Interesting. I bought an original Volca FM but really did not get much joy from it. I was tempted by the V2 release but I think you convinced me. Also interesting to think about how much more powerful GarageBand or reason or logic really is than any realistic dawless setup... I like the spirit of dawless but it does not seem to be the easy way of doing things.

[@playpm]

Tbh, for me, using hardware is more for looking cool, and simple things right on hand. But when I really want to make something serious like a commercial project, I'll never go to an hardware, maybe a few sounds, but nothing more, they're not efficient.

[@straighttalk2069]

I love hardware and free VST's but at the same time I don't like being manipulated by Apple and Microsoft. They keep updating, which means you have to keep updating, buying new PC's (Hardware) at the moment my PC is a second hand Macbook air but these wont be around for long.

[@annother3350]

Just program your Volca with Dexed. Sure, Dexed is free but realtime manipulation is glitchy. The Volca is smooth

[@sambritt2672]

Awesome video 😆 subscribed!

[@RCAVDH]

Intel Xeon workstations (tower computer) can be found for under $150 that will give you 3+ghz clocks and 16 gigs of ram for almost unlimited tracks and plugins. Combine that with a used Ableton push 1 that comes with a standard license for $ 200 for a amazing workflow. Audio interfaces are cheap used too and even if the drivers are buggy you can use asio4all and get down the latency under 10ms.

[@playpm]

I don't know why, but your comment triggered my GAS more than Korg did.

[@crnkmnky]

Are you talking about “refurbished” used workstations? 💪

[@RCAVDH]

@@crnkmnky refurbished are a lot more expensive. I bought mine used on craigslist for $100 and refurbished it myself. This Dell T3600 has a 8 core 3.6ghz processor and 16 gigs of ram. I bought 2 more quad core Xeon workstations for my kids for gaming for $75 each.

[@PatrikLundh]

Thanks for another great video!👍☺️

[@goonknox]

Can’t wait for this one👍

[@onargo]

omg! your channel is great! 🎉

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Oke you convinced me, I will buy an Elektron Digitone 😋

[@DylanParisMusic]

fantastic video!

[@killstarpopper]

I knew that it's gonna be Dexed even before watching the vid.. lol I also have a volca fm and rarely use it, I'm thinking of selling it now

[@davidpetersonharvey]

Dexed FTW! "Now open your eyes." BAHAHAHAHA!

[@stinky5535]

Beat was fire

[@angel006a]

Great video with very good recommendations. You also can make a video, comparing the yamaha reface dx with the free exakt lite vst

[@piercemcintyre1327]

I bought the volca fm 2 time sand sold two times. Twisting the knobs trying to get away from shrill or distorted noise was likening playing “operation” and fun… but dexed is so much more flexible and useable. What’s next a volca with 9 voices ? 128 patches?

[@saltersbdavisiv5430]

thank you so cool you are

[@reviewerman9786]

love the B&W white comedy, you would have been a big hit back before talkies.

[@christianjohn5016]

Korg is coming for you Michael!!🤣

[@playpm]

"Leave me along! I do love your nano controllers!"

[@perrypelican9476]

Yeah software is the way to go. But a lot of people love to spend money on terrible complicated gear. I thought music making was about making music, not touching hardware for the sake of it. Everyone is different. Gréât vidéo. Thanks.

[@BoringStranger]

I like to use Synthmata editor with Dexed. It makes the values easier to read out. Works pretty good

[@Liam278100]

Sick video man

[@flct_live]

Man, run for World's President. I'll vote for you!

[@playpm]

😂

[@trippshow3541]

You are SYNTH god!

[@aneveningwithebola2727]

Frankly, even if you do wind up getting an FM2, get Dexed anyway. Much more intuitive way to build patches.

[@gru_day]

KQ Dixie is great with loading DX7 patches... and it is as portable as Volca FM.

[@eylvy]

Hi Michael, thank you for the video. How do you put the sys preset files in dexed?

[@playpm]

Click CART button beneath Dexed logo, then click show dir, then drag everything into this folder, done. Remember to reload Dexed to refresh these presets.

[@dj-kosmixofkosmixproductio2140]

Also don’t forget SynprezFM on Android OS, this is still the best sounding most accurate emulation on that particular OS, with full sysex bank and patch import / export 😍✌️🏝(to fully appreciate it’s capabilities, I recommend connecting it to a midi keyboard…personally I use my CS1x as a controller for tweaking and sculpting sounds, never rely on an app’s interface alone 😉) I also agree 100% KQ Dixie is the best ever DX7 emulation on iOS, which very few users will ever realize😎

[@playpm]

Thanks for reminding, just tried it, but really don't enjoy its workflow design, but it's really good to know this free solution!

[@crnkmnky]

I really like SynprezFM and find its interface to be less overwhelming than Dexed. Although I’ve yet to put it into a workflow that was actually productive. 😒

[@i386enki]

Over ten voices. *CPU cries in assembly*

[@mightynagato6909]

Yo even four Tet uses dexed craaazyyy!

[@weakcannow]

Bro you r hilarious 😂

[@jadanoliver6237]

Yeah I got free plug ins and paid plug ins, hardware synths and a tr8 which I am going to use. I am primarily using the computer for gigs now so my GAS IS triggered more by midi controllers. If you need a fm synth live and you don't want to use a computer then probably the volca is good compromise. However dexed is great on Mac.

[@tablaninja]

🤣🤣🤣you are a legend love it

[@SalvatoreCremeOfficial]

Do one about the volca drum! I own one but I'm tempted to recreate it with max for live so that I don't have to deal with it's horrible MIDI integration, and I think, even though volca drum is a very interesting drum machine, it could easily be replicated and improved in software and safe people money and headaches.

[@djobnoxious6407]

I would also like you and everyone to know of the SynprezFM app. It's free, the guy developed it on his own out of pure love for the DX7 and it is very up to snuff. Might not be a sequencer, but we have solutions for that. It's a good free app that can really outshine the Volca.

[@pietrotacconi6158]

... and nice track, btw

[@mulu722]

What about midi in?

[@playpm]

You mean let an instrument make sound with midi note in? This is the most basic function of any DAW :)

[@jianhuang0124]

哥们，棒！

[@playpm]

谢谢，共勉！

[@elweedo]

Just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you are doing. Would you happen to have recommendations for free plugins that emulate a Prophet synth? I was browsing your channel but couldn't find anything on that particular synth. Thanks]!

[@playpm]

Maybe in the future, I just bought a Beringer copy but never use it since arrive 😆

[@kobi-kobsen]

This is fun to watch bit it is all just software vs hardware. If you have hardware GAS it won't be cured by a plugin alternative.

[@crnkmnky]

caption comedy 1:42 “Hey Michael! Don’t you dare to compare a cheap vodka…”

[@mrz80]

Dexed is a MONSTER. Forget the silly little Volca FM; you just replaced the almighty DX7 in your vintage synth collection. :D Oh, and if Dexed is too intimidating, you can start small and get the ExaktLite plugin. It's a 4-op FM engine with variable waveforms. It's pretty much a TX-81Z/DX-11 in software.

[@alexandrosroussos]

Very nice video/channel. I’m myself best combating my G.A.S with an iPad, a Roland Go:Mixer Pro X and iOS apps, which are cheaper than their desktop counterparts when not free, can be interfaced to iPad DAWs and don’t take any footprint. An iPad is as instant as hardware and provides touch. So it’s cool that you also suggested the iOS/iPadOS app alternatives. The Roland Go:Mixer Pro X is very nice for putting the iPad into a setup, I only wish it had a full size pair of jacks as master output instead of a mini-jack. But still it is very convenient as it also serves as a stand. Yes it’s hardware so it’s itself a bit of G.A.S. But at least it is small and not too expensive. For this case, the best I’ve found on iPadOS, KQ Dixie, which is basically a DX7 emulation with support for original presets. It does cost 5 bucks though.

[@Taeodoestech]

You can upload sysex files from DX7 libraries and the like into KQ Dixie

[@bresk13]

By this logic a touch screen for desktop would be as instant as hardware ....doub it

[@alexandrosroussos]

@@bresk13 by instant I meant : to launch it. Many times it even takes less time to launch an app on the iPad than booting your synth/groovebox. But yeah, nothing but hardware replaces actual touch and consistant feature mapping.

[@MrOuija-rr8kq]

The argument that analog sounds better than computers goes out the window when talking about digital synths.

[@everybodyhasoul5438]

Exactly!

[@Jin-Hu]

Nice Zelda

[@amazeus1980]

I agree with you entirely but there os one positive about hardware gear…it can be recorded with analog mic pre.

[@playpm]

It can also trigger my girl friend 🙂

[@zer0plastica]

Why didn't I find this video before I bought the goddamn Volca?!? 🤦🏻‍♂️😭😭😭

[@markusi_wagner]

Comparing Software with Hardware don't make sense, sorry. There is a reason why both exist. Don't get me wrong. Dexed is cool. But you need a Laptop instead a little box.

[@playpm]

To me it makes perfect sense, they all play sounds when I make music.

[@beatchef]

Which keyboard is playpm using?

[@playpm]

Mostly QWERTY one, but this one is M-audio keystation mini mk2, don't buy it cuz it's too thin for proper velocity trigger.

[@beatchef]

@@playpm Thank you 😁 Have a nice winter break

[@mkpatashnik]

👍 Can you recommend a free or maybe not so expensive DAW for PC?

[@playpm]

MPC Beats, you can go check out my last video about budget music making device, link in description.

[@playpm]

And if you have any midi controller, you might already own Ableton live 11 lite, it's really great too, 8 track is more than enough if you utilize drum rack module, just like using MPC Beats.

[@crnkmnky]

I use Reaper, which is not expensive. It is very powerful and customizable, but not so friendly to beginners. The user forums are helpful. Self-respect and a short nag-screen are the only things preventing me from using the free trial forever.

[@playpm]

Reaper is really attempting, but like you said, I still haven't cross the learning curve 😂

[@MoonWalkersbin]

i am working at the screen daily for 8 hours. i do not have any motivation to sit next to a screen in my free time. that is why hardware synths make sense for me.

[@playpm]

So you choose a smaller screen to stare at.

[@MoonWalkersbin]

@@playpm haha, nice try :-). i do not have volca FM either.

[@5eZa]

some people don't actually want to use a computer DAW

[@-XFYC-]

哈哈哈，订阅了，看完之后感觉心心念了半年的fm2彻底被放下了，但是有一个疑问，up主是否也是从各种倒腾硬件设备直到精通之后，才逐渐地有了这种认识呢？我现在偶尔还是会有想要的硬件，一直想做硬件表演的那种视频，所以一直在学习各种硬件的操作，但其实内心是比较无助的，因为需要一直买买买，我看您硬件设备在往期的视频里也很多，是等于您已经把所有的硬件操作还有合成器的逻辑包括音乐的制作流程基本都摸透了。才走到今天这一步的吗，还是说一开始您就对硬件的性价比是持反面意见的？

[@playpm]

嗨，我曾经也像你一样，但玩了一圈之后悟了，懒得在它们身上浪费时间了。你在学的只是如何操作设备，并不是为什么要这样做，也就是音乐起作用背后的原理。买设备适可而止就好，我比较反感所有youtuber都在让你买买买这种现象，大多数是想让你用他们的带货链接买东西进而让他们赚钱养家，或者以为自己这样可以白嫖厂商设备（实际上设备才几个钱？做一个20分钟的视频再推广给成千上万的精准人群多少钱？按商单来讲少说要上万rmb），还有一帮fanboy心甘情愿免费给厂商打广告。但对于一个正常想做音乐的人来讲这些内容和设备纯纯是在浪费时间金钱与精力，练会儿吉他理解几个复杂和弦进行都远比这些有用。所以我要站出来做这个坏人，打碎厂商编织的童话。

[@-XFYC-]

@@playpm 🥰💪

[@dpalaoro]

You son of a bitch. I love you. 😂 Your sense of humor is gold. ❤