Stylophone CPM DS-2 - A Drone-Head's First Impressions

I don't tend to do review videos - there are others on KZbin who do it well and I don't usually feel like I have anything to add... but the Stylophone DS-2 is an analogue drone synth with built in effects, released by a company usually more well known for more conventional offerings and, I don't know if you've noticed this, but I really like making music with drones.
This video is a real-time documentary of discovery, it arrived earlier on the day I recorded the video and, other than 5 minutes in a noisy exhibition hall last year, I've not had an opportunity to explore this synth until today. Let's see what lurks inside...
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[@OscillatorSink]

Things I thought about after hitting stop: When I did the FM and I lamented the output removing the drone from the mixer - I could have used a mult/stackcable to bring it back into the Aux input. I should have done audio rate modulation of the filter or pwm because that always sounds amazing.

[@Stylophone]

Hi, great review, you're right about the above, and the DS-2 comes with a splitter cable in the box so you can patch the Drone voice you're using as an FM source back into the audio mix via the Aux In socket. The thinking behind the Drone Out being a break socket is also if you want to put external effects like a guitar pedal or filtering between a Drone voice and the DS-2's own effects, again you'd patch back in to the DS-2 via the Aux In. The reason why Hard Sync takes Oscillator I out of the audio chain is so as to not muddy the Hard Synced tone, and it has the added benefit that now you can play with a self-oscillating filter on it's own on Drone Voice I. Btw, the LFO waveform you thought was a kind of Random, it's not and wasn't meant to be, it's simply an 8-step pattern which is the one that's printed on the front panel, so it literally does what it says on the tin. Try to make melodies with it using LFO Depth, there's hours of fun with just that.

[@CatFish107]

​@@StylophoneThanks for the additional insights. I'm over here refreshing my tracking link, getting hyped!

[@markfish8403]

The next logical product is a vocoder. Exact same size and comprehensive layout. Its a good format with the 42 hp. It encourages the user to get the 2nd unit. I’m watching this cuz the filter just released is sick so I fell for buying both 🤷‍♀️ its freaking brilliant

[@dillipphunbar7924]

Part2 then maybe??

[@OscillatorSink]

Wish granted.

[@destroy_television]

I got mine a few days ago. I love this thing. I've sat on the couch with just this and a pair of headphones and very easily passed an hour of time droning away. Once I could dial in some deep brooding "knocking" sounds, I just melt away with this thing. For me, I think the bang-for-buck value is tremendous. I'll eventually start pairing it with other stuff, but what I can get out of just the DS-2 itself is great. The fx on it could be better, but, hard to nitpick them on a critical level at this price.

[@roysummers1026]

Mind you I like the lofi fx. Sounds great in stereo and headphones

[@OscillatorSink]

I really like the delay (I like most PT2399 based delays); the reverb is nice to have to soften things while jamming, but it's the weakest part of the package (a package which is still really great value though!)

[@rorz999]

Your thoughts / experience with this thing mirror mine. It's amazing fun just to plug in headphones and play around with. The FX are definitely the weakest part, but they'll do in a pinch. I'm not fussed because I'll be putting it through external FX anyway for anything serious

[@MarfaTrax]

@@OscillatorSink going to park mine right next to Avalanche Run -- reverb fixed!

[@Thevinch]

Idk why I click your videos, I'm just going to end up buying something I wasn't before. This demo is amazing.

[@OscillatorSink]

Sorry! If it helps, my upload schedule is extremely uneven, so hopefully your wallet will have ykmd to recover!

[@Thevinch]

@@OscillatorSink Hey at least its cheaper than the Lyra

[@OscillatorSink]

@@Thevinch you should get a lyra-8 as well, though.

[@Thevinch]

@@OscillatorSink already got it and am excited to pair this one with it

[@paulbeattie1182]

I didnt expect to like it, thinking i wasnt a 'drone guy'. Turns out might be wrong! Love the way you narrate as you explore. Really shows off what it can do, and how it can do it. Nice one. Many thanks.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@paulbeattie1182 welcome to a whole new world, come on in and enjoy the BBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[@Daphoid]

I try to imagine building a drone, then slowly pairing it with other synths I have (drums, bass, etc) - and I just smile :)

[@KrellStudio]

Lovely idea for a drone synth.

[@tobymearing8407]

this is the best vid about this amazing bit of kit. thank you Sir. this box is a fiddlers dream, and it is affordable...amazing

[@OscillatorSink]

Dubreq really smashed it honestly. Such a fun bit of kit.

[@dirk7147]

Kudos! This is the best DS-2 Video so far.

[@OscillatorSink]

Thank you!

[@retrothing]

I just got mine without fully knowing what I’d get out of it. Your exploration is excellent and I feel a lot better about picking one up. I actually feel like I can learn how to use it now! Thank you!

[@OscillatorSink]

That's fantastic to hear! I hope you have fun exploring it!

[@asoundproposition]

Mine arrived today, will be waiting for me when I get home.... Using this as a basis for checking it out.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@asoundproposition have fun with your DS-2! I hope the day doesn't drag too much!

[@TeamHash]

I've been having great fun with my DS-2. When you hook it up with other equipment it's on another level. Oxi One -> DS-2 is wild!

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

Amazing 🚀

[@Gavddotcodotuk]

Really nice demo, I could really feel you exploring and enjoying the synth! I want one now.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@Gavddotcodotuk it's a lot of fun!

[@blanket_of_ash]

Dang. Fantastic little review/demo. So close to saying “take my money”…I have intentionally stayed away from rack/modular setups, for fear of the rabbit hole it will drill into my wallet. But this looks simple, and sounds amazing enough even without that aspect. Bravo. 👏

[@OscillatorSink]

Thank you! It's a great little synth and semi-modular synths are a great way to scratch that itch without going all in on eurorack (which, yes, is an infinite money-hole!)

[@blanket_of_ash]

@@OscillatorSink​​⁠ ugh. It’s dangerous coming on some of these YT channels. Long story short, perfect circuit took my money. 😂 As soon as you started mixing in oscillator 2, and those sounds started ball room dancing together, it was a made decision. Had zero intentions of buying a synth today too.🤦🏻‍♂️ 🙃

[@OscillatorSink]

Sometimes you just have to obey the drone!

[@blanket_of_ash]

@ amen brother. I think this should bliss out with my ambient 0 rather nicely. 🤘🏼

[@enochroot9438]

great overview, you got some cool sounds out of it. I really admire what Stylophone is doing with this unit, creating an affordable route/gateway drug into the euro rack realm. When they release a couple more models they have lined up then they will have quite a fan/user base, kudos to them

[@OscillatorSink]

Yes, it's really cool to see them move into this space - truly a golden era for weird/exploratory synths!

[@markparker4362]

Oscillator Sink, your such a tease! I'm still waiting for mine to arrive! This proves though that the wait will definitely be worth it. Incredible value too. Excellent work....as always.

[@OscillatorSink]

Thank you! I hope you have fun with yours!

[@easytoassemble54321]

Trying to resist new gear, but this would be a great, self-contained drone solution. I knew - of all the demos - an Oscillator Sink one would explore the corners of this machine I needed to see. Would be good to see a follow up video, utilising the pitch from an external sequencer etc. Would like to see someone running multiple offset triggers into this, whilst also using the pitch.

[@OscillatorSink]

I've got 2 videos sort-of planned in my head - one would specifically be about pairing it with other stuff (I think!).

[@BobHoskins-nv8bt]

I have one and the self-contained aspect is a real winner.

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

Still got the neck pain from playing it too long at Bristronica...totally didn't expect it to be what it was. Superb

[@OscillatorSink]

@@Farold_Haltermeyer yeah, that was the noisy exhibition hall I managed to grab 5 minutes with it previously. A worthy reason for a sore neck!

[@odd_sundays]

i'd been waiting for a reason to buy this. thanks man!

[@OscillatorSink]

Glad to be of service!

[@danpreston564]

I’ve really enjoyed it so far, it doesn’t do much that I like, but the bits I do like I like a lot.

[@Eli_B3000]

I have it too, it doesn't do everything, but working within the limitations still lets you find a lot of fun areas.

[@danpreston564]

@ yes indeed. It makes some beautiful noises. I wish it was more flexible, but it’s cheap and fun.

[@SonicVibe]

One on the way and also now I need the dual filter in the same series, demo was fantastic for it at NAMM 🎉

[@OscillatorSink]

I'm looking forward to checking that one out too!

[@zeronyne]

This is the one device under $1000 that caught my attention at NAMM. I have a huge Eurorack rig, but I just ordered one.

[@OscillatorSink]

If anything, it's kinda even better value if you have modular to use it with (or that's what we can both tell ourselves in order to justify it!).

[@zorbanongreco]

Thanks . Please do more vids - plug in more things - keyboard control, beats , etc.

[@MarfaTrax]

I feel like this may pair nicely with my Moog Labyrinth. It seems like it''s a pretty straight forward little drone machine with a few tricks up its sleeve. I ordered one last night and am now eagerly waiting on its arrival.

[@d3tuned378]

I'm glad you got one of these! You're definitely the guy to demo and explore on this thing. I am tempted but really wanted a simple release and midi in so I can do more than drone with it. Would be an amazing monosynth with a few tweaks!

[@OscillatorSink]

You can always add more things to a thing! I'm going to try it with some of my passive LPGs - that would be a cheap option to get a more "traditional" voice. That said, the second entry in this series of synths probably addresses many of the requests people have.

[@DauvitAlexander]

I bought mine on the back of trying it at Machina. I wonder how many others did the same?! It's really quite brilliant.

[@CowmanFriend]

I love this.

[@fischergreen4134]

Its one of those synths that you turn on and get lost in Feed it though a good reverb like Adaptiverb and it goes into Ambient heaven ❤

[@OscillatorSink]

Indeed it is!

[@liamg6328]

Nice run through. I keep thinking about getting this mad thing! 😉

[@PeterAPfaff]

Tank You for the Review. I am woundering why spicialy the plate verbs cut of the lowend of the oscillator sound . Got mine a few days ago and startet recording already syncing it to a MFB 522 and a westpest. It can -if KZbin realy need to - play it rytmicly. And sequenced ... Big fun!

[@petergeist_]

Congrats to 50k

[@OscillatorSink]

@@petergeist_ thank you! Definitely slow and steady, but we got there!

[@theSantiagoDog]

I don't know what it is, but they really nailed the feature set for me. I think it's what I ultimately wanted out of something like the Dreadbox Nyx, more affordable and even more portable running on AA batteries. I have mine sitting on the end table next to my couch for impromptu drones. You do need headphones at least though, the built-in speaker is nice but doesn't have any oomph. I agree about the reverb. I've started to avoid using it, as it just muddies up the great sound of those oscillators.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@theSantiagoDog it's definitely an ideal couch synth! And agreed - the built-in speaker is...there...and that's about all we can say!

[@c-row66]

Ah yes, drones, the didgeredoos of the synthesizers. I still kind of of want one. It sounds so nice.

[@davidsanfeliumarco9664]

An amazing new device!! Did your hands got on a Digitone II? Your videos about the MKI were such a thing!❤

[@OscillatorSink]

Not yet, I hopefully, maybe will, but money is not super plentiful right now so I probably need to sell some stuff first. I'm also very tempted by the DT2 as well.

[@davidsanfeliumarco9664]

@ don’t understand how @elektron does not send you both, your videos on the MK1 versions were the best on Youtbe 🤯

[@OscillatorSink]

@@davidsanfeliumarco9664 elektron don't even answer my emails sadly!

[@Lo-Fi-Si]

Great vid as always. I was on the list to purchase on the release date but didn’t pull the trigger. Don’t know why, it’s maybe not random enough. It sounds great but I was after something to scare me a little more😂 maybe keep saving for a Lyra.

[@OscillatorSink]

@@Lo-Fi-Si it certainly doesn't force you to relinquish control like the Lyra-8, but little does! If you really want to be scared though, you should check out the Soma Enner.

[@Android-Zen]

I rarely buy new gear and this was an insta-buy. My kind of couch surfing!

[@OscillatorSink]

Definitely a synth to encourage a comfy demeanor!

[@blenderbuch]

It sits now since arrival in the living room on the piano. I play it every evening after work😂

[@I.O.M.]

Digging mine but agree on the reverb. Going to run it through clouds.

[@OscillatorSink]

Clouds makes everything better.

[@I.O.M.]

@@OscillatorSink 100% but love the lush reverb in Clouds. Wish we could modulate delay mix and resonance on the filter. But such a great little box and thanks for the video.

[@krzysztofmierzwinski8468]

got any plans for checking on korg multi/poly? i wonder what would be your take on it

[@OscillatorSink]

@@krzysztofmierzwinski8468 I'd like to! It looks like it takes my favourite bits from the Modwave but pairs it with a sound engine I think I'd enjoy more. I might reach out to Korg to see if I can get my hands on one.

[@thomp9054]

Sweet little box!

[@OscillatorSink]

That it is.

[@thomp9054]

​@@OscillatorSinkThanks for another great video! Looking forward to your follow-up on this.

[@OscillatorSink]

Wish granted!

[@MathHammer]

A comparison synth might be the Dreadbox Nyx. The newer kit forms are a steal for what you get (if still available).

[@OscillatorSink]

To my great shame, I still don't have any Dreadbox stuff - I should fix that.

[@MathHammer]

@@OscillatorSink Love their stuff

[@dyspatcher]

Amazing! Oscillator sink again opening up the possibilities of my newest gear! Can anyone in the EU point me in the direction of a PSU for this?

[@OscillatorSink]

It's the same type of psu that Arturia use on most of their Brute and Freak series if that helps - I'm using the from the Minifreak and that's the right specs.

[@thekitchensynth]

I’m using a MyVolts psu …no problems 👍

[@000aleph]

No sines waves on a synth always makes me sad

[@OscillatorSink]

You can use the filter on the first voice for this - check out my newest video.

[@mauroborra1089]

Great review as always..😊In your opinion this or lyra8 ?i know, are different synth, but your heart where go...?😊

[@OscillatorSink]

@@mauroborra1089 that's easy - Lyra-8 - it's one of my all time favourites and I doubt that will ever change - but the comparison is not apples to apples at all. I will say that I have a few instruments that I really like as "side cars" to the lyra-8, and this is already somewhere near the top of the pile for that role AND works better solo than most of them.

[@mauroborra1089]

Thanks for your answer and patience in answering me, totally agree, Lyra8 takes you to underwater and distant worlds whenever you need It.. Beautiful music as always from you 😊

[@NM-tm4dz]

What others would be at the top of your Lyra 8 sidecar list? Elmyra 2?

[@OscillatorSink]

I really like the Crows Electromusic Ovum - that one works well going into the Lyra-8's input as it gives you another 5 droning pitches you can fade in and out (and it benefits from the lyra-8 making it a little dirtier). I've also been using the LEP Lumanoise v4 a lot for something less predictable than the Ovum. I've got videos on both on the channel if you're not familiar with them.

[@NM-tm4dz]

@ Thanks!!

[@hafstrat]

Instant “Space Patrol” for those who remember the early 60’s puppet show. This is what I used to think a synthesiser was. I need one. Selling a micro freak if anyone wants one. 😊

[@OscillatorSink]

@@hafstrat I don't know the show, but it is, indeed, an instant space portal. Up we go!

[@hafstrat]

@@OscillatorSink

[@hafstrat]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKabp6aLoJqAarssi=OmC62ZVP_cF-6yLv

[@brakenear]

Thanks for the review OS. Any preliminary thoughts on this vs the Elmyra 2 (outside of cost consderations)? I've had both on my radar for a while and a little cash burning a hole in my psyche

[@OscillatorSink]

Like with my reply on another comment re: Lyra-8, it's kind of a different thing and the comparison isn't really apples to apples. The Elmyra is a more "complete" instrument from a performance perspective - I feel comfortable performing solo with the Elmyra (you can find some examples on my channel), whereas I think the DS-2 will really shine playing an important part in an ensemble of instruments. There's a set of sounds here in the DS-2 that you can't get in the Elmyra though.

[@annedeoedipus7849]

@@OscillatorSinkone question but first the video was really helpful. For drones I have Elmyra 2 and Strega. Do I need this? I know I don’t really need anything but I really love drones and getting new gear so this looks super fun. Some of the sounds were rad in the video and the layout seemed super useable. To buy or not to buy?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@annedeoedipus7849 Tonally it will probably offer something those two don't, so if you're looking for justification on that level - there you go! But also if you enjoy exploring new instruments and that brings you joy, that's also another totally legitimate reason to get one as far as I'm concerned!

[@annedeoedipus7849]

@ sold! That’s music to my ears (both the justification and the synth when I get one). Thanks for the response!

[@cluppi4491]

O.S. Hello! This looks great, can I go straight from this unit into my ampeg bass rig with 1/4 inch patch cord? I can’t find any photos of the back of the unit on line. Thank you! Subbed, I’m a huge drone fan too⚡️

[@OscillatorSink]

There's only the mini-jack outputs on the top, but you can always use an adapter, just be aware that the output is stereo so you will probably want to use a Y-Cable to avoid any weird phase issues. So the answer is yes - but you'll want to use the right cable!

[@cluppi4491]

Thank you! I’ll be picking this up soon, getting the JMT ld-2 in a week or two, I share your love for the Lyra 8, such an incredibly simple little monster. Definitely gravitating towards the minimal aesthetic, a good place to learn. I’ve made some ‘too much synth’ purchases. Also getting a second Lyra 8 because I’m smitten. Thanks again⚡️

[@blenderbuch]

​@OscillatorSink just put reverb on mono I think. That's all what is stereo...

[@OscillatorSink]

A lot of times with stereo outputs (even if the sound is mono), there can be phase weirdness between the sides - that's why splitter cables are usually recommended with the Volcas in these situations. The DS-2 might be fine, but I was trying to pre-empt an issue.

[@shrinkingted]

Nice! I just got an email letting me know I missed the first batch. Hopefully, mine will arrive in two weeks. So to the big question, will you be able to make it drum?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@shrinkingted haha... Yes.

[@jberrar9465]

Hey! What do you think about Minifreak after v3 update? Is Microfreak still better for you?

[@OscillatorSink]

The Minifreak is better than the Microfreak in almost every way, but the inability to load user samples on the Minifreak currently is a bummer (and the main reason I didn't do a video about the update). I still think the Minifreak is a fantastic synth regardless, but the sample functionality is less interesting to me without user samples.

[@sub5electronics]

Do you think it’s worth buying one of these if you own a Digitone…?

[@OscillatorSink]

@@sub5electronics it's very, very different... Sonically there's stuff this does that you can't totally replicate on the Digitone so from that perspective adds something. The Digitone is a powerhouse though, so it's about if you think that vibe is something you want to add. But purely from the perspective of a "total package drone voice" I think it offers very good value in general.

[@sub5electronics]

@ Thank you. Solid advice. I enjoyed your video..

[@robsteries]

and a good price

[@OscillatorSink]

Yep, as an all in one drone box with this feature set, it's actually really good value.

[@ZZKJ396]

A Krell Music Machine

[@OscillatorSink]

They sing... Although it would benefit from a true random source to really get the true generative vibes happening - it looks like we get that on the follow-up to this device though.

[@Bata9999]

Probably going to pass on this thing even though I like it a lot. I wish there were separate inputs to each filter and to the effects. LFO switches should have had a both option I think. Speaker is redundant for me as well. The big question for me is how does it ping?

[@OscillatorSink]

I also wish there were inputs for the filter. I do show it pinging towards the beginning of the video, using the sub oscillator tuned low (it goes sub audio-rate so you get some nice hard-edged pings to work with).

[@Bata9999]

@@OscillatorSink Maybe they can release a "pro" version with expanded patch points and maybe 2 little stylophone style keyboards to pitch the oscillators @stylophone

[@blenderbuch]

It is what it is. A pro version would be doable with some modules and a small case...

[@Bata9999]

@ Not exactly. Things like separate inputs to each filter, cv over resonance, and cv over delay time would require modification. Maybe if the thing is a big hit they will do a better version.

[@OscillatorSink]

It would be interesting to look at the circuitboard - often these things can be modded in.

[@erlannderrantem6972]

Just a minute in, but calling Dübreq/Stylophone a mainstream synthesizer brand is not right in my opinion. They always did quirky stuff, starting with the S-1, it's a stupid little toy, it has a tinny little speaker, it sounds annoyingly bright, but is has its charm, it’s the good kind of bad. Then the S-2 the wild synth that had no text on the UI at all, you had to find out what the knobs did by ear. The gen x-1 is wildly limited as a synth and also a toy really The Gen R-8 is probably the most normal synth they've done, but it has a really dirty filter (think MS-20, Wasp or XBrute from arturia) and also just a limited run. They always did products nobody else were making and never in high production numbers, always a brand for the nerds that want character and always kinda niche.

[@anarchopx5379]

Bowie a nerd 😂

[@OscillatorSink]

I totally respect their legacy of weird stuff (and own some of it), but the Stylophone itself is what they are known for and it's a mainstream synth in the true cultural sense - it's an instrument that non-nerds (especially those of a certain age) can probably have a stab at identifying. It outsold almost any "popular" synth you can name by a magnitude. A dedicated drone synth (and one marketed as such no less) is also a departure even further than the instruments you mentioned.

[@erlannderrantem6972]

@@anarchopx5379 oh yes, Bowie was a massive nerd, not a synth nerd probably, but he was a wacky one.

[@erlannderrantem6972]

@@OscillatorSink yeah you got a point with that, probably the only reason why Dübreq survived all these years. Although i think the Stylophone being considered a synth is fairly new. Originally it was thought of and marketed as an electronic organ (which in turn are also technically synths) I think if you told a random synth guy to list the big mainstream synth brands, names like Korg, Roland, Moog, Oberheim, DSI/SC, nowadays even Behringer would fall, but next to no one would name Dübreq/Stylophone. Likewise no one would name Vox, Farfisa or Philips although they probably sold their fair share of "technically" synthesizers.😉 And yes while it is true, that it is a departure from the other stuff they did it didn’t surprise me. This company always takes their chances and was always kinda left if center from what the others did. I wouldn’t have anticipated it before hand, but it seemed like the next logical step, if you know what i mean.

[@anarchopx5379]

Great review, I got mine last week and with practically no knowledge managed to create something I thought was passable. I agree about the reverb, in fact it’s nice to have effects, but better quality wouldn’t hurt. No matter because like you I’ll either send it to Valhalla or use a pedal or three. If this is a rarity reviewing equipment, personally I think you should do more. Although I believe they’re quite time consuming. I guess that would depend on the gear reviewed though.

[@OscillatorSink]

To be honest, my usual vibe is more tutorial/educational stuff, so the review - especially one that was more of a real-time thing like this - wasn't too much work. The real review channels put a lot more effort into their output than this! But thanks for the vote of confidence anyway!

[@anarchopx5379]

@@OscillatorSinkeither way, your videos are always worth watching. If I don’t pass comment I still watch them. Not that I’m a stalker or anything, I’m just keen to glean information to improve what I do.

[@rijksvoorlichtingsdienst4427]

This thinknwoukd be amazing if it had envelopes 😅