The RX5USB: Play custom sounds on the Yamaha RX5 drum machine

[@arthurallsopp9344]

Great Video Tutorial you did here, hats off. I own the MKI version of the RX5USB and have used it for the past 3 years, nothing short of Amazing. Being able to create my own Drum Sample Libraries on a fat 12 and 8 bit sounding Machine. Having individual control over volumes at my fingertips and individual outputs for everything down to the Click has made mixing my drums so much easier.

[@CatSynthTV]

Thank you so much! And glad you're having a lot of fun with your MK1 version 😺

[@ErikHawk]

This card is amazing and totally makes the RX5 an even more amazing vintage drum machine. Thanks for making this video!

[@CatSynthTV]

You're quite welcome! I've definitely been enjoying the combo of custom sounds and vintage drum-machine vibes I get from the RX5 with the card.

[@fireking99]

What a fantastic accessory! Once again watching CatSynth TV instead of working :)

[@CatSynthTV]

Thanks as always for watching, and hope we don't get you in too much trouble with work 😹

[@lundsweden]

Isn't it so cool that people are making accessories for old gear like this? Reminds me of the Waverex cards.

[@CatSynthTV]

It really is great that people are continuing to breath new life into these instruments!

[@Rizzlino_Music]

I have an rx5, I received the rx5usb from japan and your tutorial helped me get started, thank you!

[@CatSynthTV]

You're very welcome! I'm glad our tutorial helped you get started. Enjoy the RX5+RX5USB - they are a great combo 😺🎛

[@Rizzlino_Music]

@@CatSynthTV I love how the drums on the rx5 cut through the mix; I have 7 synths drum machines in sync with my mpc3000 sequencer but not matter what the rx5 is always present. Very underrated drum machine.

[@CatSynthTV]

Sounds like an very interesting setup you have there 😺. And you are right, the RX5 is quite underrated. Part of why I like using it is that it gives me a different sound than more popular drum machines (new or vintage).

[@andrewklein5441]

First off, I’m really interested in one of these carts. Very cool so I’m going to check out more info on what I can do with it. Second, I really enjoy your videos. Obviously, you know what you’re talking about and your demos are easy to understand. I just picked up an RX5. Thanks for all the helpful tutorials and demos!

[@CatSynthTV]

@@andrewklein5441 you’re very welcome. Thank you for the kind words and enjoy your RX5 😺

[@notapseudonym678]

Hey thanks for making a tutorial on this thing. I haven't quite had the time to really dive into either device, and you've been a great help. Found a killer deal on an RX5 around when there was a sale on the RX5USB. Mine finally came in a couple weeks ago...right around when the busy season started at my workplace, and I wound up picking up almost twice the hours. Bit of a blessing and a curse, lmao.

[@CatSynthTV]

Hah, things do work out that way time-wise. But cool that you have both devices, hope you get to enjoy them soon 😺

[@Gatopanzon_1976]

Awesome! just ordered one, must have for this drum machine.

[@CatSynthTV]

Thanks! And enjoy your RX5USB when it arrives - definitely expands the possibilities of this drum machine.

[@Gatopanzon_1976]

@@CatSynthTV it only needs a 3d print case to make it perfect, there's some info online, looking to have one made for a perfect fit.

[@Rizzlino_Music]

​@@Gatopanzon_1976I'd buy a 3d printed case if I found one for sale, please let the community know when you make/sell/find where to buy one! 🫡

[@lovemadeinjapan]

I would like to see a split version: simple cards with just the EEPROM, and a loading module. The EEPROM is like 5€, so you could built cartridges for 10€ each, and have a bunch of them. Another benefit is that you can 3D print a case that is close to the original shape.

[@CatSynthTV]

Definitely and intriguing idea!

[@botany500kojak]

A few years ago now, I had the first version of the RX5USB. Never synched with it. Possibly because what I like about the RX5 is its own sounds. I have most of the usual drum sounds (TRX0X. Linn, etc.) with other machines. This version of the RX5USB does look better, though. Good demo. Thanks.

[@CatSynthTV]

Thanks, I can totally understand sticking with the RX5’s own sounds. One nice thing about this device is it allows one to use sounds from the hard-find WRC cartridges.

[@europeancanon]

Wow, incredible stuff

[@CatSynthTV]

Thank you! 😺🎹

[@plutostube]

Much much easier to upload samples than a 2018 Tr-8s of Roland :)))

[@Golana100m]

There is a new version of RX5USB. It is smaller than mk2 and can now fit PTX-8.

[@CatSynthTV]

That's great news! Thanks for sharing 😺🎛

[@RX5USB_COM]

We are the maker of the new RX5USB v3. And yes, the new version fits PTX-8. However the specs remain the same as the mk1 and mk2 boards. And of course, it works with the same editor software.

[@theboombapchannel2247]

Is this compatible with the RX7?

[@CatSynthTV]

@@theboombapchannel2247 I'm guessing not as the RX7 does not take external waveform cartridges.

[@RX5USB_COM]

Unfortunately RX-7 has no slot for ROM cartridges.@@theboombapchannel2247

[@matthewshop]

Where can I buy an assembled one?

[@briancoyne6700]

Hey! Great tutorial. Can I use this USB card if I only have a Mac computer? Thanks!

[@CatSynthTV]

Thank you! And yes you can use it on a Mac 😺. I was in the same boat as you, so I run the Windows app in VirtualBox - this is what we are doing at about 00:50 in the video. Unfortunately, there is no native Mac app at this point, so a virtual machine with macOS host and Windows guest seems to the only option.

[@briancoyne6700]

Thanks, Cat. Very helpful. Peace!@@CatSynthTV

[@TravisWhite-q6j]

Does anyone know where the rx5usb can be purchased? The links don’t seem to be active any longer

[@serhiymarchenko8361]

RXUSB is great! But custom made supplied sets have a fundamental flaw - they use 8-bit samples with sampled decay. This produces a lot of artifacts (quantization noise) as sound decays. The correct way of doing this is to use compressed (loud) samples (or raw ROM image from original drum machine sample belongs to) and implement decay using RX5 EG. Yamaha cartridges files don’t have this problem as they are literally clones (images) of original ones, with all samples and settings intact. Anyway, fixable by the user. 🙂

[@CatSynthTV]

Great tips! Thanks 😺

[@Rodneydrummer]

Hey, I'm from Brazil and would like to ask where I can buy one of those. I've had the RX5 for years, but never found a cartridge to buy!

[@Producer4Realz]

Hi Ive paid got a bad unit returned it got confirmation and never ever heard from pharmasonic again ..took my money and don't return my emails any more. What to do? Its been over 7 months now

[@M80-]

Sad. That's what others also experienced, they wrote the same story. He is a scammer, don't buy anything from him.

[@CatSynthTV]

I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties with the unit and getting support.

[@Producer4Realz]

Its simply a criminal thing... They got my money and I got nothing.. Its been like over a year I think...😢

[@RosalvoParadella]

Iisto e incrível ❤ !! Daria pra fazer um card desses pro teclado Roland E38 (este teclado tem suporte a cards TNSC com ritmos) ? Nos caso, para inserir novos ritmos. Sim ou não ?

[@CatSynthTV]

Obrigado! 😺 Deveria ser possível criar tal cartão, mas não tenho certeza se alguém já fez isso.

[@RosalvoParadella]

@@CatSynthTV se alguém fizesse ia ser incrível. Gosto muito do meu Roland E38. Alguns ritmos que eu montei ficariam perfeitos pra ele. Deve ser fácil montar um card TNSC-usb porque a função é parecida. Obrigado pela ajuda.

[@JackTheMarigold]

oo whats the sample time for the cartridge?

[@CatSynthTV]

Hi. The cartridge has 128KB storage for samples. Samples are uploaded at 12-bit and I believe 25kHz, so you can use that to estimate sample time.

[@brocoproder]

Funciona también con Yamaha RX 7? Saludos desde Venezuela!!!

[@CatSynthTV]

¡Saludos! Desafortunadamente, el RX5USB no puede funcionar con Yamaha RX7 porque no hay lugar para un cartucho de forma de onda. Lo siento.

[@widedesert]

Any idea when some will be in stock again?

[@CatSynthTV]

Not sure. Best to check rx5usb.com/

[@donpepperoni0]

hi, thank you for this runthrough... can i ask, is the mk1 the same as the mk2 apart from dimensions or are there other differences?

[@CatSynthTV]

You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed the runthrough. According to Pharmasonic's product page, the feature set is the same between mk1 and mk2. 😺

[@donpepperoni0]

@@CatSynthTV Awesome, thank you for getting back on that! I had a MK1 for ages but never realised that there was a way of running the software on Mac, so just used the preinstalled 808/909 samples. Looking forward to getting stuck in once I plug everything back in the studio (just doing a re-configuraion right now)... but enough about my woes!! Thanks again!

[@CatSynthTV]

You're welcome. Have fun with the RX5 + RX5USB when you get your studio set up!

[@croonologist]

Hello: I need one, Are they still available?

[@CatSynthTV]

The official shop appears to be closed now, but they do appear on the used market periodically.

[@jmarvosa6x3]

is this discontinued? did you recently produce this thru Pharmsonic directly? also, I thought the lower pads were fixed to internal voices + not able to assign to cartridge voice, only top row?

[@CatSynthTV]

Hi. I purchased mine through Pharmasonic directly a couple of years ago. From what I understand, they are discontinuing their pre-built versions. I've been able to assign the lower pads to cartridge voices on the RX5.

[@RX5USB_COM]

We make a new version of RX5USB: RX5USB v3. Our online shop is our name, just replace the _

[@marcelodiana82]

@@RX5USB_COMcannot find you. Is still available?

[@gasparpini]

Helo!! ❤ thank for this amazing video! I can’t find the product to buy 😭😭😭 th link it’s broken

[@lostboyz6454]

I did order one from pharmasonic after your video but didn't receive it to this day. They are not answering my messages aswell.

[@CatSynthTV]

I'm sorry to hear that ☹️

[@lostboyz6454]

@@CatSynthTV I did alot of research and it seems altough alot of people did get their stuff from pharmasonic, alot of people did not. I looks like the page is a half scam. So you're either lucky and the guy is in a good mood or you don't get anything plus you don't get your money back. You do not by any chance happen to havea second one that you want to sell?

[@CeZero4]

Sounds cool, especially kielbasa🤣

[@CatSynthTV]

Thanks 😹

[@ingostromitzky497]

Cool video, where can I get the editor software and the samples?

[@CatSynthTV]

Thanks 😺. You can find the Windows binaries for the editor and sample banks here: electro-music.com/forum/topic-56137.html

[@ingostromitzky497]

@@CatSynthTV very nice, but in the 4,28 mB is only the editor and four bank’s, where can I get the others?

[@CatSynthTV]

If you go to www.pharmasonic.jp/rx5usb/11-rx5usb-mk2.html and click on "Attachments", you should find a ZIP file with all the sound banks, including LinnDrum, etc. (obv not the one I created myself for the demo). The editor and manual are also there as well. Hope this helps.

[@ingostromitzky497]

@@CatSynthTV Wait, i bought the usb cartridge today and i don’t see this button, you are the best thank you very much. Greetings from Germany

[@CatSynthTV]

You're very welcome! Enjoy your cartridge 😺

[@johnnyhaiku8521]

Hello I would like to buy this in RX7 USB.

[@CatSynthTV]

Hi. The device can be purchased at rx5usb.com/. However, I don't think it will fit the RX7, is it doesn't support waveform cartridges.

[@johnnyhaiku8521]

@@CatSynthTV there is probably a market for anyone who can create one

[@morganwebster6636]

One more question: I do have the crossover app on my Mac which allows me to perform certain tasks. Do you know of it and if so would this work. Thank you again.

[@CatSynthTV]

It's worth a try - I don't have Crossover so I can't verify myself 😺

[@morganwebster6636]

Sweet. What emulator are you using and are you on an M1 silicon MAC? I'm defiantly gonna order on of these cartridges asap. I suppose my main question is what windows emulator and what computer are you using. Thanks. Good videos for sure.

[@CatSynthTV]

Thanks! I was running VirtualBox on an Intel Mac Pro. I do have an M1 MacBook Pro but virtualbox doesn't run well on it (keeps crashing). Seems like it's best to stick with Intel for virtualization for now.

[@morganwebster6636]

@@CatSynthTV Ok. Cool. Thank you for the quick response. I’ll figure it out one way or another. I picked up a mint rx5 the other day and I can for sure see the usefulness. Have a good one.

[@CatSynthTV]

@@morganwebster6636 sweet. Enjoy your RX5 - it's a great drum machine.

[@morganwebster6636]

@@CatSynthTV It’s in front of me right now. Man I own everything I’ve ever wanted as far as machines go and for whatever reason I’ve become bored. I love my elektron devices and my Roland and Korg machines but I’ve become, mmmmehhh with the workflows I guess. I have been looking for that old way of doing things again in my life and this is filling that void. So far I have all the individual outs going to my Boss BX-16 with some bussed effects and wow. What a fun and refreshingly change of pace. Exactly what I was after. 🤙🏻

[@M80-]

This is freaqin amazing, thanks for the video! Can someone tell me if it works also with the PTX8?

[@CatSynthTV]

You're welcome! And thanks for the kind words. Since the PTX8 accepts the same waveform cartridges as the RX5, e.g. the "WRCxx" cartridge, the RX5USB should work as well. But I don't have one here to verify for sure.

[@M80-]

@@CatSynthTV This is a great, thanks for the info..I read that info too, but wasn't sure if it's true. The PTX8 is on the way to me. :) Can I order this USB modification directly from this japanese site or I have to use service sites like ZenMarket? Thanks.

[@Rizzlino_Music]

​@@M80-best bet is order from Japan, using the companies website and waiting 3 or 4 weeks for shipment to US.

[@BinuralOdyssey]

Lol i was just thinking....geeze would be cool if you could add linndrum...."...linndrum" oh heck yes.

[@marcelodiana82]

Looking for a RX5USB to buy! anyone?

[@CatSynthTV]

I have seen them on Reverb periodically.

[@ICanFixThat2]

Nice ... this guy (Pharmasonic) run away with the money I paid for two ones.. It not only happened to me, it's all around social networks. Lucky the ones who got it, others like me ended with nothing after paid. Now he has a new name and a new version of the card. No pun intended... just beware.

[@Producer4Realz]

They took my money and never sent me the rx5usb. Never answered my email after recieving my money... Be careful !!!

[@CatSynthTV]

I'm sorry that happened to you 😕

[@RegebroRepairs]

Oh, cool idea. I wonder if there is something like this for the RY30 Oh, there is! Sector101 Waveblade. A bit expensive, but hey, maybe some day.

[@CatSynthTV]

RY-30 was a great instrument! And the waveblades are nice, but definitely on the more expensive side.

[@RegebroRepairs]

@@CatSynthTV Yeah, but so are the expansion cards. ;-)

[@CatSynthTV]

Ha, yes, that is true 😺 Same with the original RX5 cartridges.