Korg opsix Version 2.0 - Operator Modes in Depth: Effect Operator

[@EvilDragon666]

To your comment regarding certain waveshapers sounding like Casio CZ series... that's because phase distortion IS, in fact - waveshaping! Phase distortion reads the same waveform in non-linear way (consider the reading pointer not incrementing always up but restarting or changing trajectory along the way, you get a whole new waveform, but if you plot out the trajectory of the reading pointer, you get a different waveform from the regular ramp that is used to just read the waveform out normally = waveshaping!)

[@OscillatorSink]

Well I'm glad my intuition (and weirdly specific sonic memory for a synth I owned 10 years ago!) paid off. Thanks for the explanation - all makes sense and is very interesting!

[@the8bitdeity]

Fascinating Mario, what governed the trajectory in the CZ series?

[@EvilDragon666]

@@the8bitdeity Built in lookup tables, I think. The Res waveforms were slightly different, they basically did windowed sync.

[@GeorgeLocke]

I usually think of wave shaping as being a transfer function, where phase distortion is more like applying a wave shaper to the phasor.

[@GeorgeLocke]

I don't think you can achieve pulse width modulation with a wave shaper

[@BecomingAPsych]

Operator Sync, you're the king of Opsix

[@OscillatorSink]

I am but a peasant in the opsix's Kingdom.

[@ChristopherJGould]

Wow, just found you channel by total chance. As an Opsix owner, your output on this subject is fantastic and (in the absence of others - or korg themselves lucidly explaining the synth) these videos are pure gold my friend. I think Korg should payroll you.

[@OscillatorSink]

Thank you, and welcome to the channel!

[@falangistavaleroso9689]

what fm synth do you like more@@OscillatorSink ? Mine is 81z for that metallic special sound. I sold my 2600 mk1 in 1999 because I could not get it, please wipe me, i deserve it! after it fs1r, opsix has the worse sound but it´s the easier to program.

[@percussionboy4357]

Comb filter! Yay! *Edit: and yes, a walkthrough of that modeled string patch at around 21:45 would be great!

[@OscillatorSink]

Yay! And noted!

[@hermask815]

Add me to the list of interested :-)

[@WolfxxBite]

I too am interested in this! I absolutely love the way that patch resembled strings, almost like a futuristic guitar sound.

[@jalmelb]

As an opsix owner, I absolutely love these videos. Thanks so much!

[@OscillatorSink]

You're very welcome!

[@aptudo]

Great demo, jaw-dropping really. Let's speak plainly: The opsix is in the same league as the Hydrasynth for sound design. I dare say it's superior in several respects - polyphony, oscillator variety, and effect integration, to name a few. People who think this is just a knobbier DX7 are unaware of the powers that lurk within. I'm so glad I jumped on this while Korg was still selling it.

[@OscillatorSink]

It's a sound design powerhouse for sure - and one I keep coming back to explore again.

[@macronencer]

Wow, they knocked it out of the park! Absolutely brilliant :) This synth just continues to amaze me all the time. When I bought mine I had no real idea of the potential - and that was even before this firmware update. One of the most under-rated instruments on the market, for sure. Big fan!

[@OscillatorSink]

Totally in agreement - people are sleeping on this one for sure, but I'm trying to let folks know how exciting and creative it is!

[@macronencer]

@@OscillatorSink You're doing a good job too - I keep sharing your videos with people to spread the word!

[@MetalGearJoe]

Thank you for uploading your explorations with the Opsix! I was originally most interested in doing FM synthesis and experimenting with different waveforms, but you've really shown how much the other operator modes can offer. Modeling strings with the comb filter really blew my mind!

[@OscillatorSink]

Yeah, the opsix is a very nice FM synth, but it can do so much more!

[@audioartisan]

Great new feature walkthrough ...the best! Glad to see someone as excited as I was about the Comb feature. I didn't sleep last night because of this beauty :)

[@OscillatorSink]

It takes a certain type of synth nerd 🤓

[@keepitshortnsweet]

16:28 It's immensely useful for for those of us who are working our way toward the outer boundaries of accepted tonality.

[@negativehertz]

I was very pleased with the update. With the new functionality, I greatly improved my custom string patch in just a few minutes. Thanks for doing this video. I would love to see a video of you attempting to make a realistic acoustic piano. The comb piano preset is close, but I'm having trouble improving it.

[@JorbLovesGear]

It's not just you, the wave shaper bit really surprised me too😂. Great stuff!

[@OscillatorSink]

I think I probably sound a little *too* excited about it honestly!

[@JorbLovesGear]

@@OscillatorSink Impossible, OpSix deserves the credit. All the altered bits are really fun & exciting

[@cortneyholt]

What a monster sound depth, I feel it in my bones

[@AviPFine]

Excellent video Would love a patch walk through with the physical modeling. Updated to v 2 yesterday

[@OscillatorSink]

I think I'll refine what I was doing in that patch with a few more tricks and put a walk through together soon. Enjoy the new version!

[@belphegor132]

I love this synth so much, great update. Please keep making these videos! Would love one on physical modeling!

[@OscillatorSink]

Yep, it's a really nice and unexpected update!

[@huntergalloway3944]

They did it! We were just discussing this last week and they did it! If only they would give me the multistage envelopes this FM synth is screaming for. Then I would totally forgive it’s lack of multitimbrality and maybe even cheap build. The build especially is a shame, as I think that it’s a big part of more “serious synthesist” considering it a toy. I start to wonder if the UI is maybe too limited for editing complex envelopes, and then I remember my DSS-1, so Korg has done it before with a lot less. Still though, this was a really nice surprise and I can’t wait to get it updated! I still believe that this synth has an insane amount of potential and is hugely underrated. Great video as usual!

[@bcm70]

I'll be surprised if we don't see an Opsix SE down the track. I agree the build on it isn't that nice - I tend to use it as a module and play it with my Prologue keyboard just because I have the 61 keys and it so much nicer to play. If Korg do release an SE I'll swap out my Opsix for it.

[@pentagraham]

I'm so far sharing your (un)enthusiasm about Punch, but thought it might come in handy with physical modeling. I could also see using it to accent a bass patch to provide/bolster a woody click, if you're trying to achieve that. Loving your opsix videos! I took a big chance on getting it as my first "proper" synth at the beginning of the year, and it is really a gift to have someone so dedicated to an instrument that you own providing valuable content like these.

[@OscillatorSink]

You're very welcome! I'm glad that you're enjoying the opsix!

[@FrozenLonesome]

Excellent intro to the new 2.0 firmware. Thanks so much!

[@OscillatorSink]

You're welcome!

[@LowPassMountain]

Thank you. Love my opsix so far.

[@Sound_ology]

Great series, I've been watching them all! Thanks for the insight on the comb filter, very interesting and instantly beautiful. I think Punch is for percussion patches

[@crashdelta]

Your videos are a gold mine!

[@laurentluigi2461]

Hello Sir, your videos about the Opsix are so good !!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us !

[@OscillatorSink]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@robertfoy5886]

Excellent job with these videos. Can't wait to see your next OPSIX patch!

[@modeswitching]

I’m really hoping there’s a Karplus physical modeling video in the works! Some of the new presets have the most realistic acoustic pianos and plucked strings I’ve ever heard on an operator-based synth, and they all seem to make use of the comb filter effect.

[@pccpwsv3760]

Excited to watch this

[@OscillatorSink]

Enjoy!

[@uliseslabaronnie3987]

Hi! Amazing video, enjoyed so much! I will be great to explore more the Karplus-Strong patches! And connected with Custom Algorithms. I am exploring my Opsix in a deep way, so everything is welcome! I am a FM fan, its always surprising! This instruments refresh the seed put by Yamaha!

[@mariolessenich3140]

16:00...The Point when you must laughing abaut the Crazy cool Sound.... 😂😂🤣🤣👍

[@DjDollfac3]

Yes please make a video on the string patch! 🥺

[@OscillatorSink]

Wish granted: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ-rm3SoarOUjck

[@Frozirra]

And this is why I hesitated on selling this piece of gear… comb filter! Still thinking of selling it, but I’m glad I hesitated so I don’t have the post sale update I missed out on feeling.

[@macronencer]

I think the Waveshaper operator mode is doing some sort of remap conversion. This is quite similar to Phase Distortion, which is probably why it sometimes sounds like the Casio CZ series. I love it! EDIT: I just read the pinned comment, haha! Yes.

[@OscillatorSink]

As I understand it, it's technically very similar - and I also love it! I used to have a cz3000, but the DAC failed and the cost of shipping, repairing, etc. made it totally uneconomical to fix - gutting! I'm glad to have some of that vibe back now!

[@the8bitdeity]

That wave shaper can put out some serious early Autechre vibes

[@OscillatorSink]

It was, by far, the biggest surprise for me in this update. It's such a brilliant addition.

[@the8bitdeity]

I was excited by it because the modWave has it as a per layer effect, but it’s still on a mix bus. In that context it gets grungy fast. However the ability to have it *per voice* (?!?!?) is amazing. Korg are doing amazing work with their digital lineup as of late. Glad to see a company trying to re-explore that space. As much as I love analog, it’s good to see hands on control of digital.

[@FernandoLobo]

Thanks...Sad the 2.0 makes the synth randomly crash. Patches made with the v1 will make the synth crash too. Love Korg, but sometimes they just fuck up with the basics, which is "not a system crash"

[@macronencer]

I think Korg should do a Peak/Summit on this and make a full size keyboard version with 12 operators, usable all together or split into 6+6 for multitimbral. Oh, and give the keybed PolyAT of course!

[@OscillatorSink]

You'd hear no complaints from me!

[@dantarradellas7351]

Awesome. Release some sound sets. Pls.

[@OscillatorSink]

I have! Details here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIvYdZ5th9B1aLM And here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKnFaISJmtWNrJo

[@brandonpieplow9207]

I can see the Punch effect being way more useful in a modulator role than in an end-of-chain sort of carrier role.

[@2112jonr]

Awesome walk through as always O.Sink. Hey folks, if you find this guy's videos useful, give him a like !

[@OscillatorSink]

Thanks friend!

[@gasparpini]

Hey, I have one question. If the carrier is modulating himself you can have the diferents modules for each carrier/operator? Like the filter or fx per carior/operator? Thanks a lot! Peace ✌

[@OscillatorSink]

Each operator can have a different operator mode, but it's one mode per operator. So Operator 1 can't be a Wave Folder and a Filter at the same time.

[@bureizu19]

I think effect operator as a modulator(FM) will make sound more interesting, since modulator(env or LFO) of opsix is little limiter when compared to other synth.

[@soundfx68]

I like how the black keys have tiny VU meters ;)

[@rob5621]

I have missed that wave shaper since the 01/W.

[@thenoiseoftime978]

More than a physical modeling I was wondering if you can find a way to imitate the waveguide of Aaltos plugin. Looking for those polyphony tined shprt delay feedbacks

[@OscillatorSink]

That is sort of what you have here - the only issue is that you can't put a filter in the feedback of the delay, which you kinda need for a proper wave guide.

[@arti2909]

It's amazing what you do here with these videos and I can't thank you enough. Brilliant content! I have one question regarding syncing Opsix to other gear. There are no usual Korg sync sockets here so I have to use midi cable, but I would like the Opsix to receive (or send) just the clock from other synths and not the start/stop signal. How to set it?

[@OscillatorSink]

Thank you. You want to disable the "TX/RX Transport" settings in the midi section of the global menu.

[@arti2909]

@@OscillatorSink Thank You!

[@dannyrobinson3358]

Great stuff!! Your videos are a huge source of inspiration for me. I have a question. I saw a comment of yours saying that this has practically replaced the Deepmind for you, which i'm just about to pull the trigger on. I'm just wondering if the 8 channel mod matrix on the Deepmind is limiting? and if you can modulate the FX on the Opsix? I'm a bit torn. I have the Wavestate but the menu diving kills it for me no matter how good it sounds, that's not the case with the Opsix I think? Basically why would you recommend this over the Deepmind? Sorry for the length of the message, I just need to be sure before I buy. Thanks a mill!!

[@OscillatorSink]

To answer your questions directly: I don't find the 8 slots on the Deepmind limiting that often, but there have definitely been times where I had wished for one or two extra slots. You certainly can also modulate the FX on the Opsix. The user experience on the opsix is very good - the way that the menus work are very slick (kinda Elektron-like, which is a bit compliment from me!), it's not knob-per-function, but it couldn't be really, and they way that it does work is nice. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the opsix over the Deepmind *unless* you were particularly after something that is set up to do "Juno-like" stuff. If you want to explore sound design more (and it sounds like you do, as you're asking those questions), there is literally no benefit to the Deepmind when compared to the opsix. The range of tones available, the quality of the effects, the noise-floor are all superior on the opsix. Also - and I think this is an important one - Behringer have basically abandoned the DM - they are building it, but there haven't been updates to the firmware or the apps in YEARS. Korg are, as far as I know, still actively working on updates and content for the opsix, so I expect to see features and improvements made in the coming years. I don't think the DM is a bad synth and I've had a lot of fun with it, but the opsix is on a different level.

[@dannyrobinson3358]

@@OscillatorSink Your detailed reply is really appreciated. I found other Opsix demos to be very metallic and thin sounding so that turned me off a bit. You've hit the nail on the head regarding what i'm looking for. I thought the lack of aftertouch might be a thing but it's not that big of a deal I suppose and the fact that it's not being supported with updates is definitely an issue. Alright, I think you've made my mind up, maybe I dodged a bullet, only time will tell. Thank you sir!!

[@Mr.Tubster]

😃 👍

[@OscillatorSink]

😎👉👉

[@sashajedinac9391]

oh golly

[@OscillatorSink]

Isn't it though?

[@wangledteb5671]

Hey question, do all these different operator modes stack with each other? Like... Let's say I had operator 1 set to FM mode, and then operator 2, set to effect mode, feeding into operator 1... and then operator 3 feeding into operator 2, and we set operator 2 to, idk, phaser or short delay... Is the effect that that's going to have on Operator 1's frequency modulation, super different from if we just fed either operator 2 or 3 into operator 1 directly? I'm not totally sure how that would work but I would imagine that if the output of operator 2 is just voltage (or a digital approximation of it) then it can be used to modulate the freq of operator 1 no matter what kind of weird fx shenanigans are going on, right? Also thank you for these videos, I was having a hard time deciding which synth to buy next but I think I'm sold on this one now thanks to you :P

[@OscillatorSink]

The short answer is yes - they stack - check out my videos where I'm building a Juno style synth or a West Coast synth inside the opsix for some examples of how you can use that idea to build different synth architectures by using that idea. For your example, a phased sound has different harmonic content to the raw sound, and harmonic content of the modulator in FM determines it's affect on the carrier so, yeah, that'd sound different. With the delay example, it depends on the envelope shape of the operator at the top of that stack, but you could use it to create interesting dynamic effects like creating a pseudo "looping envelop" with the echos perhaps.

[@wangledteb5671]

@@OscillatorSink omg cool! Thank you for explaining! I started watching your West Coast synth one last night but I got too tired to follow along lol but I'm finishing it now. I can't wait to get my hands on one of these :P

[@karlosmartos4646]

Is the opsix fun to program since it has not many knobs? Im wondering..

[@OscillatorSink]

Yes! It's really quick to navigate the pages, and you don't need to move your hands around much. I actually don't even use the sliders and knobs on the left that much, because you can do it all on the right. It's very similar to Elektron devices.

[@GeorgeLocke]

Does the comb filter support audio rate frequency modulation? At worst i guess you could use an LFO, right?

[@OscillatorSink]

You can use an audio rate LFO - the incoming oscillator just acts to excite the comb.

[@autumnbrushtail]

I need one of these...

[@OscillatorSink]

This may be true.

[@arti2909]

This firmware update looks very inspiring, but while uprgrading to version 2.0, can I determine where to put those additional patches? I wouldn't want to loose my own ones already written on the free slots above 250.

[@OscillatorSink]

The new patches are an additional download - but I'd suggest using the Librarian software to back everything up first anyway.

[@edjwise]

Im not an opsix owner so I do not yet understand. Are the effect operators not destinations for audio rate modulation? What you show makes them look like a 'layer' within an operator.

[@OscillatorSink]

Depending on the operator mode, the opsix doesn't just do FM within the operators. Some modes do modulation, but others (like the wave folder, filter and now effect mode) act more like a processor within the algorithm. It's not "just" an FM synth, it applies the ideas of algorithms and operators to other forms of synthesis and processing - it's very flexible. If you want to get a feel for how powerful that idea is, I've done a series of videos where I've built other synth architectures within the opsix (a Juno, a Buchla and a filter bank) - they might give you some examples of what the opsix can do beyond FM.

[@AlekseiDroganov]

Hello from Tallinn 🇪🇪🙋‍♂️ Tell me please witch material of made front green panel. Thank you

[@OscillatorSink]

The top is metal, the rest is plastic.

[@AlekseiDroganov]

@@OscillatorSink thank you. 🙏

[@gossamyr]

Was the update as painful as the wavestate? Mine was 1.04 and I had to painfully update to 1.06 then 2.... Maybe I'm spoiled by the painless updates of Akai/Roland, and the barely painful Novation, it just seems unreal to me to make it this arduous.

[@OscillatorSink]

I plugged it in, installed and ran the update utility, it was updated.

[@OscillatorSink]

And I was going from the factory firmware version, I hadn't updated to 1.04.

[@MattDiamondMDE]

Hey ya Oscillator Sink, do you have any tips and tricks for looping envelopes and or unique LFO shape hacks? I don't see looping envelopes as a function, only LFOs (FM8 kills it in this regard) so pretty keen if you know any hacks.

[@OscillatorSink]

I don't I'm afraid. I'd love the option on loop envelopes (or indeed, make LFOs one-shot) hopefully something for a future update... Interestingly, I've just got a modwave and there are various hacks for looping the envelope (or rather triggering it with another source, like an LFO), so it's something that has a precedent set.

[@the8bitdeity]

My only disappointment was the continued lack of TX81Z waveforms, otherwise fantastic update

[@OscillatorSink]

We can do W5 with the width control, but some half/rectified waves would be welcome. Particularly odd seeing as the LFO section literally has the exponential triangle!

[@the8bitdeity]

Wave shaper can do half and full rectification, the updated manual has the diagrams. I think expo triangle is the only missing piece. That said you’re sacrificing an operator for it.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@the8bitdeity yeah, and you couldn't currently use the rectified versions as a carrier, only a modulator (but you don't really sacrifice anything if you're using it as a modulator, because you can just turn the osc mix up).

[@eandresc]

Damn i found out about this here. Breaking news

[@OscillatorSink]

Run, don't walk!

[@AlekseiDroganov]

There are two things that hinder me so much to buy this tool. The first one is what a lot of people say about bad keybed. 2. lack of aftertouch. What do you think about these aspects? Is it right? Thank you

[@OscillatorSink]

The keybed is fine, I've played worse and I've played better. I've never found it to be a problem. The lack of aftertouch is a shame, because it's a modulation source that I really enjoy - but I have other controllers I can use when I want it. Certainly wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

[@AlekseiDroganov]

@@OscillatorSink 👍

[@Zanix_IV]

bruh they really just said fuck it and added rings in the v2.0 update

[@congce]

Hello, buddy, can you give me a how to update Korg opsix 2.0 through the computer. I'm sorry to have such a request, but I can't find how to get it on the Internet. I have downloaded the software package. But I'm afraid I'll make a mistake. So if you have time, can you introduce a video on how to update to 2.0. Also, how can I make the sound sequence exist all the time? For example, in ambient music, I played a chord to make it last all the time.. This is a problem that has bothered me for too long. thank you. I wish you a happy life

[@OscillatorSink]

There is no "drone" function, but notes can ring out for 90 seconds if not held. The update is pretty simple - it will either work or nothing will happen. It will work best on Windows 10.

[@cooptrol]

Hope someone gives credit to Ess Mattisson for this copied graphic design style.

[@OscillatorSink]

Although I massively respect Ess's work this UI was at Elektron right back in the Machinedrum and Monomachine days, which I think predates his time there (his work was more around moving away from just knobs, font rework etc. I think?). Either way, yes there is a Swedish influence here.

[@cooptrol]

@@OscillatorSink Yes you're right, the silverboxes already had it, but there was a huge step forward with Ess.