KORG DW-8000 from 1985 - Preset Playthrough and First Impressions - The Novation Summit of the 80's

[@jasontaverner1]

The backbone synth of my early recording days! Latterly joined by an O1/W and Wavestation... what an ensemble! Fantastic keyboard.

[@VultureCulture]

It really is amazing.

[@madness8556]

My love of synthesisers started when I was using a Korg Poly 61 at my high school in the late 80s and I lusted over the DW8000. I finally got a DW8000 a decade later in 1997 and loved using it in the studio as well as live. I did sell it a few years later and actually sold it for a good profit to someone who was desperately after one! I must say that I regretted selling it afterwards, much like I also regretted selling my 18 voice Korg Z1 a few years later. Keep up the great work buddy.

[@VultureCulture]

Glad you're enjoying the channel! 🙏

[@anoniconoclast2030]

Now if only someone could come up with replacing the plastic sounding waveforms with higher bit rate waveforms. I could listen to this mans videos all day. Good job.

[@VultureCulture]

Thank you! I'm working on an Ensoniq SQ-80 video, I'm hoping the expanded waveforms will be better than the Dw-8000's.

[@madness8556]

I absolutely loved to run my DW8000 into the analog inputs of my Wavestation AD for really massive sounds!

[@VultureCulture]

I can only imagine how huge that gets

[@oscargrouch8888]

Hi buddy I don’t understand do u midi the two boards together to produce sounds or put the audio outputs from the dw8000 into the wavestation . What does that do to the sound of dw8000

[@BryantFC]

I randomly stumbled into a pawn shop last week and snagged one up! Amazing how this thing sounds! I already had a Alpha Juno 1 in route and I knew I had to pick this one up too.

[@VultureCulture]

What a great combo! Two underated and gorgeous sounding analog poly's

[@1vootman]

Analog filter, Amp, and what i think is most importantly ENVELOPES that make the difference in warmth. Many new hybrids have digital osc and analog filters but digital envelopes and it doesn't have a vintage sound like the ex-8k.

[@dannydaniel8975]

The analog filter is just about the best I've ever heard on a synth

[@VultureCulture]

It is probably the best, just incredibly musical.

[@dannydaniel8975]

@VultureCulture Yes, it is! Hallelujah, brother!

[@brianschiller4053]

I have a DW-8000, a cool sounding synth. It can be more easily programmed with a Behringer BCR-2000, but the matrix on it isn't really all that difficult. The filter on those things is awesome, and the joystick layout is pretty cool. I prefer it over separate pitch and mod wheels. The worst thing about them (aside from the clack keybed) was that they had an internal battery attached to the board. Luckily, someone installed a battery holder in mine so the battery can be changed out every few years. Kevin Moore used DW-8000 on the early Dream Theater albums. I think the Ytze Jam synth solo in particular.

[@VultureCulture]

I'm looking into the retroaktiv controller, the randomize patch generator feature is too cool!

[@TimMoney]

@@VultureCulture DW8P is a game changer. I’m using with 2 EX-8000 modules. Think layers and splits with plenty of polyphony.

[@vintagesynths]

Great video and examination of this still underrated synth

[@VultureCulture]

Thank you very much! I'm working on some sound design video for it now.

[@erik_gerhard]

So it’s basically Korg’s Ensoniq SQ80. Cool!

[@VultureCulture]

Yes! And released two years earlier! Btw I'm doing a live stream on the SQ-80 this Wednesday if you want to hang out kzbin.info/www/bejne/haKyd3ylj959fMk

[@infindebula]

I love the tone of the DW series, but once you program it you quickly realize its limitations. There is no way to change the sound over time, pre-filter. So no LFO or envelope control to do stuff like PWM, oscillator sync, or modulate the mixer section. So the only time-based timbral change available is from the filter. Despite this, it does sound lovely, and I really like the murky 80s modulation delay. Of the “hybrids” from the 80s, my personal favourite is the ESQ-1/SQ-80 from Ensoniq, which has much nastier waves (and many more of them) as well as lots of LFOs and envelopes and mod options. Great presentation! Thanks for sharing.

[@VultureCulture]

I just bought an SQ-80 and am going to do some videos with it soon! However I have to learn her because she's a more intimidating beast!

[@infindebula]

@@VultureCulture Awesome! I hope you have fun - it’s a beast for drones and sound effects. I strongly recommend this video for some tips on getting animation in your patches - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZWoq3lthriah6c

[@80ssynthfan48]

@@infindebula Isn't the MG/modulation generator of the 8000 like an LFO? It's not a deal breaker, but I have seen one being sold very cheap (about half the usual price) and I am thinking about it.

[@infindebula]

@@80ssynthfan48 yes, there is an MG (LFO) which can modulate pitch (of both oscillators simultaneously) or filter. Many synths allow LFO to modulate oscillator pitch separately, or pulse width, to create some motion in your sound. But don’t let this stop you - it is still a lovely sounding synth and a good value. You can also get some motion by using the filthy onboard delay, which has its own modulation.

[@madness8556]

The SQ80 was another synth that I lusted over around 1987!

[@michaelgehringmusic8440]

I still love my DW8000.

[@VultureCulture]

Honestly one of the best sounding pieces of gear out there!

[@Sonikbytes]

I like this filter a lot more than roland jx line. The sweep is so sweet and almost as good as polysix you mentioned. I like the simplicity in this synth, no bloat of features I will never use just the ones that are most effective to me. I wish to know how to use that assignable arp that can store a number of notes if I am correct

[@VultureCulture]

The Polysix and the DW-8000 have my favorite filters of my vintage synth collection. They really give you that magic they talk about with vintage analog gear.

[@nosfeh]

Korg DW6000 was released before this, so this was not the first hybrid synth from Korg.

[@VultureCulture]

You are correct, I was under the impression that they came out the same year.

[@vintagesynths]

Yes the DW-6000 had only 8 waveforms but a great sounding analog chorus. I used to have one and liked the sound for gritty sounds even more than the 8000, I now have.

[@VultureCulture]

The analog chorus sounds so awesome.

[@danwentz]

Poly 800 was probably their first attempt at this type of hybrid approach, it got better with the dw-6000 and of course the 8000

[@VultureCulture]

Despite the oscillators being based on a arcade cabinet chip, the Poly 800 is fully analog.

[@MrMe4444444]

I have the big brother the dss1. These are awesome.

[@VultureCulture]

I hope to one day get my hands on a dss-1, looks incredible

[@Hwral]

Check out Full Bucket Music’s emulation of the DW-6k and DW-8k, the FB-7999. It’s freeware!

[@jakelawson1]

An ever present in my rig. One thing it doesn't get nearly enough credit for is a really unique filter. I've got the MEX-8000 and the StereoPing controller for really helps with the controlling. It doesn't have a lot of modulation options, but I put it next to my SQ-80 and...it just doesn't get much better.

[@jakelawson1]

Also, where can I buy those patches? Brilliant.

[@jakelawson1]

LOL, saw the rest of the video and you give the filters its due.

[@VultureCulture]

I actually don't know! They were programmed into the synth by the previous owner I believe. Thank you for your comments 🙏

[@anoniconoclast2030]

I have the turbo mod with the MEX patches on it. Those are rather uninspiring. But no matter, I am sure you make some great sounds with it. I actually have an extra turbo mod for sale.

[@jakelawson1]

@@anoniconoclast2030 I'm not a big fan of those patches, but I have it completely loaded with Espen Kraft's patches, some old Yes touring patches, and other custom stuff, so it's pretty solid for me.

[@doordedeur]

In my Wavestation I use a lot of DW waveforms to create sounds.

[@robertbuckly76]

I was just gifted a DW-8000! I'm trying to load the ctrlr script on linux ubuntu, I'm a total noob, does anyboby know a good tutorial for step by step instructions?

[@VultureCulture]

Ugh I'm sorry I wish I did! Anybody else in the comments able to help?

[@Howdy606]

I recognise some of the sounds from Depeche Mode songs (Violator era). Wonder if they used it. Love your vids mate. Keep up the good work 😎

[@VultureCulture]

I wonder too! I'd love to have a DM expert go through it with me sometime. Thank you for your comment!

[@thezogs95]

Does this keyboard have a hiss too it at all when you crank the volume? Some old keyboards are pretty noisey. I have a dss1, and in high output mode it can get a little noisey on some patches. My screen is starting to high pitch wine a little as well, a common problem on ghe dss1, but does this keyboard do that was well?

[@VultureCulture]

Mine does not appear to at all.

[@thezogs95]

@@VultureCulture can you change octaves up and down on this keyboard? Modern synths usually have a button for that as you know I'm sure

[@VultureCulture]

There's an octave range parameter for each oscillator

[@TheMorphicResident]

Nice video, are these the stock presets ??? Did you figure this out ?

[@VultureCulture]

Yes they are the stock presets

[@resynthesizer4565]

That string patch is to die for. Brass is nice, too. Random question. Is the artwork in the background Giger ?

[@VultureCulture]

Yes it is!

[@timbmusician]

I got one of these in '86. Had to work a lot of hours after school at McDonald's to pay this baby off. Played the hell out of mine! Should have never traded it away. The stupidity of youth.

[@VultureCulture]

We all wish we'd never sold certain pieces of gear!

[@timbmusician]

@@VultureCulture Sometimes that list can get pretty extensive!!

[@madness8556]

I also should have never sold mine, despite the fact that I got almost twice as much as what I initially paid for it. The stupidity of adulthood! 😂

[@johnnyv673]

Prophet VS and Waldorf Microwave are also great.

[@VultureCulture]

Would love to get my hands on either of those 😍

[@lazercrotch9839]

Nice vid! I love my DW8000. I do not love the keybed tho. As you mentioned, it's clacky af and this can sometimes be a distraction, especially when playing at lower volume levels. Hmmmmm.....maybe there's a fix for this.

[@VultureCulture]

Unfortunately I'm not aware of any upgrade available for the terrible DW keybed 🫠

[@aliasname602]

midi to better keyboard

[@alexdbf2281]

What a fucking great song.. Is there effect in start? Spiralizer?

[@VultureCulture]

Thank you, those are the chords from my track 'Violet Tears' you can find it on Spotify, apple music etc. No effects or eq at all, that's just how the DW-8000 sounds with a sweeping filter 🤤

[@alexdbf2281]

@@VultureCulture oh yes it s a sweep effect... Thx for answer

[@andreweccles8130]

Iss that Emperor Wing from Flash Gordon ! 🤔

[@VultureCulture]

It is!

[@jknorratl]

To clarify your initial comment, these are NOT the factory presets. I like the sounds but, these are not the factory. And you make me feel old when you talk about the layout of patches. The 80s was the years of Banks and Patches. So 11 is Bank one sound one. 23 is Bank two sound three. Some of those sounds were factory but in different locations. Example 48 in your video is a factory Synth Lead sound

[@VultureCulture]

Ah! I wasn't aware these aren't the factory patches, thank you

[@jknorratl]

I got the poly 800 and dw8000 in high school back in the 80s. Very familiar with the programming of these hybrid boards 😀

[@VultureCulture]

I definitely want to get a poly 800 at some point and compare the dw-8000 and PolySix to it

[@doordedeur]

The FM based DS-8 sounded a lot less cool than the DW-8000.

[@VultureCulture]

I still want to try out a DS-8 someday!

[@Hwral]

Apples and oranges. Very different concepts.

[@ArgumentShow]

The only Korg , i didn't like.

[@VultureCulture]

Not a fan of the dw-8000?

[@ArgumentShow]

@@VultureCulture No, i remember we had the first one sent to the studio and was disappointed with its sound and looks. plasticky cheep lol. Not long after the Dx7 we were sent. they didn't compare.

[@VultureCulture]

I don't love the look or how plasticky it feels, but I love the sound and the filter in particular. The dx7 of course is a classic and maybe it's not fair to compare the two.

[@ArgumentShow]

@@VultureCulture In the studio both were the cheeper end of synth. Fairlight CMI and Synclavier II were the main instrument but out of the range of most.

[@VultureCulture]

Pretty fantastic that you used to use those famous synths!