Bad Gear - Roland A-01 - Most Useless Piece of Gear???

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ธ.ค. 2024
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    Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Roland A-01 Controller and Generator. Is it, after all, the most useless piece of gear of all time???

ความคิดเห็น •

  • @martheataca
    @martheataca 3 ปีที่แล้ว +172

    "So far, so boring", God I love this channel

  • @RobFlaxMusic
    @RobFlaxMusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +174

    The genre reveals are increasingly epic

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Thank you!!!

  • @famitory
    @famitory 3 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    the A-01 feels like they had a list going of features they had to cut from other boutiques and at the end they just jammed all the items on the list into one box

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      It can be assumed that this was the exact idea behind the A-01

    • @FantasticF113
      @FantasticF113 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's exactly the same vibe I get when I look at it! 🤣🤣🤣

    • @shnixbot
      @shnixbot 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      100% accurate

  • @secretelitemusic
    @secretelitemusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    "Accessorise your postmodern ironic Pocket Operator charm bracelet with this delightful bluetooth paperweight"

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      You are a connaisseur;)

  • @BeniRoseMusic
    @BeniRoseMusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +179

    Holy shit, I can't believe Roland flipped the script on you and ticked all of the boxes for you!!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Check mate!!!

    • @WxkR
      @WxkR 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Roland ticks and ticks everyone’s boxes but it is uncool to publicly acknowledge it.

    • @secretelitemusic
      @secretelitemusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      In our post-apocalyptic future, Roland Corp is the widget division of Skynet.

    • @kenfusion
      @kenfusion 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The floor-safe keypad has no sex appeal.
      Mount that in a wall to confuse burglars. This may be the first badgear that I just don't imagine myself using . Not to pass judgement on its performance or functionality. But this audio tool fits a niche that I just don't have . Still a great show , and the highlight of my TH-cam fun hour . Much respect !

    • @WxkR
      @WxkR 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@kenfusion oh, please, as if owning a synth that looks like an odd pice of furniture or thrown out from a poorly funded nuclear lab was not precisely the not-so-secret desire that makes us keep watching this channel’s videos.

  • @cl1xor
    @cl1xor 3 ปีที่แล้ว +86

    This must be a product conceived at a Roland x-mas party and they didn’t wanted to exclude the hot intern who was into chiptune.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      It's called corporate culture ;)

    • @FantasticF113
      @FantasticF113 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      My thoughts exactly!!! 🤣🤣🤣

    • @t55a2
      @t55a2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      It was made by their chief designer as a retiral project. It's actually very good and more powerful than you think

    • @FantasticF113
      @FantasticF113 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@t55a2 This channel and all the *bad gear* reviews are just a bit of good-natured fun. Also, these are people's personal opinions, delivered with a dash of dry humour - regardless of whether we agree with them or not. Let's all not take ourselves too seriously! 🙏

    • @reggiep75
      @reggiep75 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@t55a2 - I'll admit I looked on hoping to see this unit get ripped on but as the review went on I thought 'Yeah, that's usable, shallow menus, pretty usable mono-synth' and I actually started to like it and presume it was mocked as it was marketed to people with £$€5000 worth of gear yet barely 1% of ideas to match. It's highly usable unit that should've been pushed towards micro producers who cut their teeth on soft synths and use smartphones or tablets to jam with.
      As previous noted in a reply, we all know what this channel is about - good natured laughs and looking at stuff and wondering if we agree with the assessment of the unit in question and I actually liked it whereas someone with 10 racks of gear would flick a few switches a rack, compressor, on delay on and bellow *'SHIT!!!!'* into a microphone and roll with their mono-bit thinking of 'It didn't cost 25k so it's shit!'

  • @apolloc.vermouth5672
    @apolloc.vermouth5672 3 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    This is the first Bad Gear where I genuinely can't find any charm in the product!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      I think someone over at Roland lost a bet or something ;)

    • @DiAL033
      @DiAL033 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@AudioPilz Almost. The story goes that the synth-engine was one of the Roland engineers private projects. Its goal was to implement a synth engine on a tiny 8bit arduino-ish platform with a minimal code footprint. The A-01 was sth. of a retirement gift to said engineer. I read this on a forum, so take it with a grain of salt, however parts of this storyt are mentioned on the Roland page, too AFAIK.

    • @2point7182818284590
      @2point7182818284590 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I thought this was one of the more charming bad gear products

  • @ianmccoy13
    @ianmccoy13 3 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    Me: "Mom, can we have a Sequentix Cirklon 2?"
    Mom: "We have a Cirklon 2 at home:
    Cirklon 2 at home: _Roland A-01_
    Great stuff as always. Keep up the good work!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks! Hi mom ;)

    • @monono8156
      @monono8156 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You just know there's some poor teenager out there that got given this as a birthday gift after they showed their mom a picture of the SH-01a :)

  • @thb-music
    @thb-music 3 ปีที่แล้ว +121

    Pretty cool that Roland managed to make 1/3 of a SID chip with some CC controllers.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      INNOVATION!!!

    • @Gazdatronik
      @Gazdatronik 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I am totally getting that vibe from it. Honestly it does it pretty well. If they were still cheap I would entertain getting one for chippy sonics

    • @matthewlister3755
      @matthewlister3755 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      It's crazy how much the interface looks exactly like my Sammich Sidbox, only with way less options for shaping the sound. Jesus, the Sidbox can even do polyphony and it runs on technology from 1981. What the hell? Doesn't have that Bluetooth, though. Gotta have that Bluetooth.

    • @benanderson89
      @benanderson89 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I saw this comment before watching the video and, wow, you weren't joking; it really does sound like my C64.

    • @BunnychanFarabee
      @BunnychanFarabee 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Honestly surprised the SIDStation hasn't made it on Bad Gear.

  • @SynGirl32
    @SynGirl32 3 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    He actually knows who Civvie 11 is, he clearly is a man of culture.

    • @GeorgeL909
      @GeorgeL909 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That definitely made me chuckle out loud

    • @aswarmofdeadinsects
      @aswarmofdeadinsects 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      MODULATE THE CUTOFF, CIVVIE

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Thanks! SAVE CIVVIE!!!

    • @TayTayMakesBeats
      @TayTayMakesBeats 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I had to rewind to make sure my eyes didn't deceive me. I'll never think of control voltage the same way again...

    • @soursugar4867
      @soursugar4867 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      #freecivvie

  • @tomaszmazurek64
    @tomaszmazurek64 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    The Oscar Peterson with 303 photo at the end killed me. I knew the guy loved synthesizers, but a 303 is one thing I would've never mentally connected with him.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      That's from an official Roland brochure. I'd love to hear what Mr. Peterson would have come up with using a 303

    • @tomaszmazurek64
      @tomaszmazurek64 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AudioPilz I think the Behringer 303 clones can be polychained, so it wouldn't be out of the question to play a transcription of one of his pieces on a bank of 303s. Btw did he ever actually release a synth piece, or was it purely his hobby?

    • @munkelfisch4948
      @munkelfisch4948 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      th-cam.com/video/FI-4HNQg1JI/w-d-xo.html

    • @fortheloveofnoise
      @fortheloveofnoise 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That picture is legendary, how have tou not seen it yet!?

  • @DaneXbsinthe
    @DaneXbsinthe 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    The K-25 keys need their own episode.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      "...it's crap" ;)

    • @midimoog
      @midimoog 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Those Boutiques series have a recessed lower front cabinet, grooves for hinges, and a connector on the bottom just to accommodate (or to be accommodated by) the K-25. The existence of K-25 has had so much influence on the concept, yet the keys are so...umm...damn useless? (trying to choose the right word)

    • @rdean150
      @rdean150 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@midimoog useless yet critically important for utilizing the sequencers on most of the units. They're not really for playing so much as "loading notes" in the sequences

  • @aerospatialerecordings
    @aerospatialerecordings 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    I could not be happier to see the A-01 finally getting a little praise. I use the 8-bit monosynth regularly for basslines and leads, and as a sequencer/controller it's a nice compact solution for a bedroom studio already over encumbered by other gear. Plus, it's really handy for use with my modular rack and yes, the Bluetooth MIDI is a definite bonus for playing with my iPad apps. I've owned (and sold) most of the Roland Boutiques, but I dare say the A-01k (which came with the K-25) is the most useful piece of gear I've purchased in at least a decade.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It's a very specific piece of gear but it certainly does a great job when it fits into a setup

  • @MattGreerMusic
    @MattGreerMusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I forgot the guy's name but the designer of the little digital synth was one of their old time great engineers at Roland back in the day and was retired but contributed his project (the synth) to this product. The synth isn't deep by any measure but if you like thick bass with lots of harmonic overtones, it really has a lot of character in the low end.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      AFAIK he designed the JX3P

    • @MattGreerMusic
      @MattGreerMusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AudioPilz Yep, that's it. I couldn't remember which.

    • @slipknotboy555
      @slipknotboy555 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@AudioPilz No wonder the synth part of it turned out surprisingly well, then

  • @t3l3phasicworksh0p
    @t3l3phasicworksh0p 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    If released as a Eurorack Module with fancy retro panel, chiptune synth voice and sequencer it would cost £500

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You're probably right about this!

  • @eddievanheinous666
    @eddievanheinous666 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    You outdid yourself with that "Keyless door lock style buttons" 'shop - I had to go back 5 seconds to see if it was real or not =D

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks, lol;)

  • @0ldman0tis
    @0ldman0tis 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Some retailer was giving the A-01 away for free with the purchase of the K-25M some years ago. I ended up buying the package to use the keyboard with the boutique vocoder. I ended up selling the vocoder but that A-01 with all it’s connectivity and buzzy synth is a keeper man!

  • @mixn5919
    @mixn5919 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I know people like to say "this synth sounds like a VST" a lot, but this thing really sounds like a VST

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Yeah, one of the 1999 synthedit Freeware ones;)

    • @mattzr1550
      @mattzr1550 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Just turn off random phasing on serum and boom

  • @MarciaDVL
    @MarciaDVL ปีที่แล้ว +4

    A bit less than a week ago, I left a comment about buying this unit. It is now here and yesterday, when I got it, I immediately got to use it as it was surprisingly intuitive and easy to comprehend. I barely needed to read the manual. The Bluetooth worked fine with my Android tablet. I made a MIDI transfer of a sequence I made as well with the tweaked synth sound. Well! What fun this was to use gear without a speck of difficulty. Yes, this gear is a find and even without the optional keys. I have enough of that here! The severe intimidating looking machine is only 'skin deep' after all!
    I have to add that I am only but recently geared with synths and other devices. And somewhat of a neophyte too. So, I should be intimidated but not stuck when a brand can offer a system that even I can understand an dig in immediately. How fun is that? Well! A lot! Cheers from Belgium!

  • @melodikmusic
    @melodikmusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    “Ticks all of your boxes!” How perfect is this! Great job as always and keep up the amazing work. It’s what I look forward to on Fridays!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you so much!

  • @chriswareham
    @chriswareham 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I'd love to see a video explaining how you go about making the Bad Gear episodes. They must take a lot of time to edit, given all the meme cutaways and trippy visuals you usually have on the randomly named jam sections.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Thanks for the suggestion. I'm afraid it would kill the magic a bit ;)

  • @novakjovanovic7313
    @novakjovanovic7313 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    AudioPilz - The pinnacle of bad synth entertainment.
    I love your work.
    Now I'm just waiting for a cancer mouse reference...

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you!!!

  • @doctorsynth1
    @doctorsynth1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The A-01 was the most innovative product Roland released in the Boutique line, and it suffered from not being sold alongside other instruments which would benefit from it. The synth is super limited but cuts through other sounds and is simply fun to play for leads.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah, they messed it up in the marketing

  • @RikMaxSpeed
    @RikMaxSpeed 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    There was “bad” gear, then Roland redefined it with their beautifully crafted “virtually pointless” gear!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      "Someone at Roland lost a bet" Gear

  • @UliAfroman
    @UliAfroman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    My best start in every weekend, enjoy the start of your weekend too with the new bad gear ❤️

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you so much!

  • @regortex3364
    @regortex3364 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So far I think I have at least 75% of all the bad gear you’ve featured (wtf is wrong with me?). I use this one as a bass synth and sometimes sequencer, I liked it immediately for its bass sounds, it’s a beast imo. Once again you prove to be the best gear channel on TH-cam, *standing ovation*.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you!!!

  • @zebrapares
    @zebrapares 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Always a relief to see that the glass of water is where it is supposed to be.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I actually drink from it ;)

    • @henninghoefer
      @henninghoefer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@AudioPilz Wait, that's not green screen?

    • @LeadingMotive
      @LeadingMotive 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@AudioPilz Do change the water sometimes though!

  • @MicroBanshee
    @MicroBanshee 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I had an A-01, I used it a fair bit, then I stopped using it and now I really don't recall what happened to it? I don't remember selling it, I certainly don't lend stuff out [I have no friends!] Maybe I should look for it...Meh!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Absolutely, prices are insane

  • @MichaelBLevi
    @MichaelBLevi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I have this machine and I love it. I taught my oldest son about synthesis and sequencing with the A-01.
    It's weird and we love it.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Agreed, great educational tool!

    • @el_dani
      @el_dani 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AudioPilz 🤣

  • @bobz1736
    @bobz1736 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Production values and that track at the end are OFF THE SCALE !

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you!!!

  • @HashMagician
    @HashMagician 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Do you even realize I watch your videos with a finger on the spacebar to catch all of the memes???

    • @theyellowroom5026
      @theyellowroom5026 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Yeah me too and it's becoming increasingly difficult to catch them on time...

    • @d_vibe-swe
      @d_vibe-swe 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Indeed. But I use a mobile phone, which makes it a bit trickier. 😄

    • @FantasticF113
      @FantasticF113 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Me too!!! *I thought it was just me...* Whomever writes the scripts for your videos deserves a pay rise! 🤣🤣🤣

    • @FantasticF113
      @FantasticF113 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@d_vibe-swe You sir, are to be commended on the dedication and skill you bring to the craft of catching those pesky memes! For the sake of humanity, please, please continue your pursuits. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility 🤣🤣🤣 🙏🙏🙏

    • @d_vibe-swe
      @d_vibe-swe 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@FantasticF113 I'm very dedicated. Thank you, sir. 😁

  • @MCBrainpower
    @MCBrainpower 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The placement of your head on the thumbnail is epic. As much as I’m in love with Roland I was always wondering what this piece of gear was about lol

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      it is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma

    • @MCBrainpower
      @MCBrainpower 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AudioPilz Lol, worded perfectly, bro

  • @illustriouschin
    @illustriouschin 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The 8 bit synth is the main reason that it's popular. Sounds alright to me but there's a lot better and cheaper options. Thanks for another great episode!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @t3hjnz
    @t3hjnz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Outro track: made me feel like the mushrooms were taking me on the trip, not the other way around. Vomit-inducing video not due to effects, but due to sales footage of ultrawealthy dwellings. You're a hero as always, Florian.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you!!!

  • @tomskley8864
    @tomskley8864 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Another masterpiece of the „Roland - why 😫“ collection. 😂 But what you made of it sounds absolutely amazing!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Thanks! We have reached peak Roland;)

    • @SyncdAlien
      @SyncdAlien 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I agree, and I enjoyed the EDM piece too.

    • @kenfusion
      @kenfusion 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I second that !

  • @jshell
    @jshell 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’ve had a lot of fun playing this thing through the Machinedrum filters and sequencer for acid style stuff with its own flavor. Every time I think of getting rid of it, I play it, and am reminded that it has a really strong and unique sound. I initially got it to be a battery operated controller for the Monomachine as space and plugs can be limited. And I got it for one of those blowout sale prices. I think the problem was that this came out around the time of the Keystep, was trying to target a similar usage, but the A-01 cost 3-4 times as much.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I would love it to be even a little more dirty ;)

  • @spare7230
    @spare7230 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    As a Canuck, our largest instrument store chain (Long & McQuade) recently sold one of these things at practically clearance ($99), paired with the keyboard module. Think I can see why. Sounds nice, but wow this thing is specific. I can't imagine it sold well.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I don't have numbers to back this up but I assume it tanked like a zeppelin

    • @jonytube
      @jonytube 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Roland keeping up with the tradition of the X0X! lol

  • @EvilDragon666
    @EvilDragon666 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I'm not a fan of EDM but that jam was banging.
    Also, all the jokes got me well in stitches. Your show is getting better and better :D

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you!!!

  • @crunchylicenseplates9008
    @crunchylicenseplates9008 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I believe that the A01 was the brainchild of a retired engineer who used to work at Roland. It was a side project like any of us building something on our workbench for the fun of it and showed it to someone who still worked at the company who then hired him on as the lead designer for the entire boutique line. This may explain why it does not lend itself to anything that Roland used to make.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I heard that story too!

  • @Robinbermann
    @Robinbermann 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Friday evening highlight! Can´t get enough of this series.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you!!!

  • @LouisSerieusement
    @LouisSerieusement 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    6:23 I'm actually impressed by this setup, I had to pause the video to understand the routing ! I don't think there would be warehouses in 2031 but the reminders could dance in tunnels and old subway lines ! Accoustic will be epic !

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      As long as we're still dancing 💪

  • @zdravkodimitrov
    @zdravkodimitrov 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How about episodes about:
    - Korg microstation
    - Akai MPK Mini Play
    - Casio XWP1
    - Casio XWG1
    - Yamaha Reface DX, CS, etc.
    - Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 and SHS-300
    - Pioneer DJ Toraiz AS-1
    - BOSS DR-01S
    - Korg KR-55
    - Korg KR-mini
    - Korg KAOSS PRO+
    - Alesis Harmony 54
    - Roland Lucina AX-09
    - Nord Modular G2
    - Alesis CompactKit 7
    - Fred’s Lab Tooro
    - Korg Monotron series
    - Korg Monotribe
    Cheers :)

  • @patricklaureys1249
    @patricklaureys1249 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I laughed so hard at 1:19. Me and my wife wanted to buy some sun chairs in Costa Rica and some vendor was happy to sell two at more than a 1000 $ per piece. We asked sarcastically: are these made from titanium? She said dead serious: aluminum. As if it were some kind of rare earth mined from a meteorite that circles earth only once every 2 million years.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Never underestimate a proper sun chair;)

    • @scality4309
      @scality4309 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      LoL

  • @scarfypedia
    @scarfypedia 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    do you have any samples of this? I really want a sample of that bassy pulsewidth swarm for hardcore break stuff

  • @illford
    @illford 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Top series, good comedy and informative. Golden combination.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you so much!!!

  • @artyomca
    @artyomca 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Those jams of yours, ah maaaaan! Can we expect them to be released someday? I dont mind if they only last 1 minute, because its a minute of pure bliss.
    Great work!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Shameless plug: full tracks and extended jams can be found on Patreon;)

  • @Bloodstone_DC
    @Bloodstone_DC 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Alex Ball might review synths with his face but you're the only synth youtuber who can gesture with his head.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's my superpower ;)

  • @domasgudelis
    @domasgudelis 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    thank you for putting your time into making these review videos! that flying bird on the jam session was a killer :)))

  • @xkidmidnightx
    @xkidmidnightx 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I finally own something on bad gear! I love the thing and the synth is super sick

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Cool! I would like it to be even a little dirtier ;)

    • @texacomann
      @texacomann 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AudioPilz Add Distortion to it, and the A-01 will get really Bad ass

    • @olisynth
      @olisynth 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have it too and i love it. I use the synth a lot and not even the bass lines are good. With some nice delay and reverb there are a lot good melodies in higher octaves possible

  • @this_connor_guy
    @this_connor_guy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "I'm Still Not Sure If This One Is Any Good" is my favorite subgenre. I need to add it to my bandcamp releases.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      SPOTIFY PLAYLIST!!!

  • @gunproofgrandad4381
    @gunproofgrandad4381 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I loved the Civvie 11 reference! Another of my all time favourite TH-camrs. :-)

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Big Civvie fan here!

  • @penitentiarychances9459
    @penitentiarychances9459 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You're still in Live 9? I'm surprised, you would love Live 11

  • @ga8946
    @ga8946 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The A-01 is a beautiful peace of gear that doesn't cause trouble. I normally use it as a sequencer for my semi- modulars and it is easy and fun to use. Actually I even bought a second one recently when I saw it was offered quite cheap. Even my 9 year old daughter likes to fiddle around with the A-01 Synthesizer. And btw it's the only boutique that you can use with normal sized hands. But I can fully understand that not everyone shares my views on the A-O1.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's probably the best concept of all Boutiques

  • @MrChopemup
    @MrChopemup 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Bad question for good gear , ,,, what’s your . Effect Patches / settings on the cdr 70. As if you just turned it on right now . Thanks for the videos, I enjoy your presentations. Makes me feel like I bought it ,played with it ,sold it , in less then ten minutes..! Without the hassle ,

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Love the HD Reverb, the 160 compressor is nice and some of the modulation and special FX add a cool special sauce!

    • @MrChopemup
      @MrChopemup 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AudioPilz thank you for your reply . I’m using a boss cs-3 . And a modified g1xon with the extra patches as you mentioned in one of your videos . I found a physical dedicated compression pedal is better for tweaking , but the other effects I can live with ,,,(set and forget ) , the expression pedal is a bonus it helps to assign a parameter 4 an effect , although not in stereo.. ,,,,thanks and keep up the good work! Luv it ...!

  • @moshell5249
    @moshell5249 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Awesome review as usual! I actually like this unit however in typical Roland fashion it has been forgotten hence some essential features remain missing which hamper it's functionality:
    1) doesn't pass on midi clock even though every other boutique does
    2) doesn't have audio mix in - another weird boutique omission
    3) no audio/midi usb interface again unlike the other members of the family
    4) shared output for headphone and audio and it can be noisy especially over USB
    5) no Midi CC beyond 97!!
    I can try to understand if this was released with a volca price point but it wasn't so not sure what was the point

    • @rorz999
      @rorz999 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      No MIDI clock!? That's bizarre considering this thing is primarily a MIDI controller

  • @travisguide4516
    @travisguide4516 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This channel is so fun i love the intros the sarcasm i was brought up with is funny the jams are good and everything consistent episode to episode just awesome

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you so much!!!

  • @EarmonkeyMusic
    @EarmonkeyMusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    If I didn't know better, I'd think you were the one who created Synth Memes. Also, I still want one of these things. Should have bought one when they were blowing them out for $99. Now they're not $99 anymore, and you probably just made the price go higher too.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Synth memes should be considered cultural heritage!!!

    • @EarmonkeyMusic
      @EarmonkeyMusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@AudioPilz haha! Because we're so "cultured" there

    • @roryjineffect
      @roryjineffect 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@EarmonkeyMusic *puts down KY and Volca* What were you saying?

  • @KbIPbIL0
    @KbIPbIL0 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    your channel is so entertaining... every second of video is just bliss
    loving this

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you so much!!!

  • @theothertonydutch
    @theothertonydutch 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I got one after that mad price drop. They went for 300 universal credits or so to a 100 on sales because nobody bought one. Future classic because of that 8-bit synth. It sounds good.
    Classic Roland move to make something nobody wants, then discontinues it because nobody wants it, paving the way for it then becoming a classic because scarcity creates demand and it includes an out there feature that is perfect for a very specific application.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Roland acts in mysterious ways;)

  • @010203109
    @010203109 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The DeepMind 6 and 12 also went for allowing some wireless control from an Ipad. But it's focused on the synth itself, which is far beefier, and making it easier to tinker with its deep settings such as the modulation matrix. All while doing a modern take on a Roland Juno style synth better than it seems like Roland would think to do themselves.

  • @AnUnseenRuler
    @AnUnseenRuler 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    “The best...”
    😮
    “... Roland...”
    😲
    “...synth...”
    🤤
    “...UI.”
    😖

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      That's an achievement!

  • @thomasekman4548
    @thomasekman4548 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really like the way you do your vids...with all sets of images and clips from films and so...very funny way to explain your thoughts....thumbs up👍🏻

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you!!! Stick around!

  • @Yuzuki1337
    @Yuzuki1337 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    One minute in and I have no idea who this supposed to be for. O_o
    Edit: You heard it here first folks, bitcrushed bass music rave at an Amazon warehouse in 2031 with AudioPilz as the headliner. I'm sure those will still exist by then. :D

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      That is completely natural and normal

    • @theyellowroom5026
      @theyellowroom5026 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Where can I get tickets?

    • @Yuzuki1337
      @Yuzuki1337 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@theyellowroom5026 It's in the spirit of those events that everyone is welcome to join as long as they can find the location. ;P Unless you are talking about the other kind of ticket, I'm sure the shady dude with the basecap in the corner got you covered there.

  • @RobFlaxMusic
    @RobFlaxMusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The bird on screen at 5:12 😂

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Filter chirp ;)

  • @ChumpyDumps
    @ChumpyDumps 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Man... That "ticks all the boxes" thing had me roaring. 😆

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Roland ;)

  • @jay4d3v4
    @jay4d3v4 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    you really must do an episode on the Roland SH32. i'd send you mine, but i'm in the states.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Absolutely! Or the other way around - I'll come to the States

    • @jay4d3v4
      @jay4d3v4 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@AudioPilz i've got a comfy couch!

    • @nachshonrorick
      @nachshonrorick 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wait. I want to buy a SH-32 before the prices go up post-video 🤣
      You can borrow my EF-303 to bide the time...

  • @JamesSykes-pq4df
    @JamesSykes-pq4df ปีที่แล้ว

    I love you and your channel. At first I thought you woz just a "disser". But I learn more about what gear is actually like from you than many other you-tubers. Plus you're funny. Proper funny.

  • @bronxcartel6193
    @bronxcartel6193 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Yes brother, Roland has single handily saved your channel 😎

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      So true! What would this channel be without Roland

    • @mc2engineeringprof
      @mc2engineeringprof 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AudioPilz Just wait until you start discovering the remaining Korg "Wolca" (I love how Austrians and Germans say that) and "Valdorf" (equally, technically correct, awesome pronunciation) like the Streichfett (I'll watch just to hear the pronunciation of that one), 2 - Pole, Q, or the (Korg) Kick, nuBass, Modular, and Drum.
      And don't even get me started on Alesis - wow! Prime material there. (Fusion, Micron, Quadrasynth, etc).
      As for Roland, I can't wait too see you get your hands on an MV-8000. It's the perfect love / hate groovebox / sampler / workstation / beatbox / soup - to - nuts MIDI sequencing, recording, mixing, mastering, burning - your - own - finished - CD machine!

  • @ericlloyd7981
    @ericlloyd7981 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I noticed the M-AUDIO Oxygen 8 v2 used as an example at 4 mins in, I posted mine for sale but think I'll keep it now that I've seen its potential in this video.😆 As of this writing there are all 3 of those things (5 mins) for sale locally and have not yet sold.🤔

  • @artisan002
    @artisan002 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    While it's not the kind of gear I want or think I need, I have to respect it's ability to do that much odd stuff without blinking. It does, however, remind me of a 1992 Kenwood receiver.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's certainly good at what it does

  • @justingoers
    @justingoers 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have one of these and it’s super fun. You can get wicked sharp random sequences that really cut through in a mix.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Agreed, it's one of his strengths!

  • @akaaka001
    @akaaka001 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    the song on this one was a piece of art

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you!!!

  • @ledfloyd5647
    @ledfloyd5647 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Please what is the MIDI controler at 2:35 ?

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Eigenlabs Eigenharp Pico

    • @ledfloyd5647
      @ledfloyd5647 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AudioPilz Thank You 🙏🏼

  • @KrikIDDQD
    @KrikIDDQD 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    First of all, A-01 (in combination with K-25m) is a great portable MIDI-controller. One of the best, if not the best, in this regard. Very compact yet very flexible and multifunctional. Everything else functions are just a nice bonus to it main task.
    It's a shame Roland took it out of production. =/

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agreed it's a well-executed unit!

  • @mattpierce1011
    @mattpierce1011 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your meme game is total fire!! I cried at the Matrix Compressor on Bypass one, knowing full well that this has happened to me with my 3630. "Is thing even on? Oh no it's not!!"

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! It happens to the best!

  • @LeadingMotive
    @LeadingMotive 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    1:10 "According to Roland, the A-01 is ticking all the boxes" - Hahaha, this is some time traveling sh** right here!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It completely blew my mind!

  • @patrickp.1998
    @patrickp.1998 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The flashing images warning in the beginning of your clips is an understatement , i just had a serious acid flashback 😂👍

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Better safe than sorry;)

  • @TimmyBolan
    @TimmyBolan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Also, um, boy do I dislike my Digitone. I can't list all the things but, um, ah, you should do that. I can't stop using mine because, uh, reasons? But def *Bad* gear.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Great idea, the death threats from the Digitakt episode are currently ceasing ;)

  • @MarciaDVL
    @MarciaDVL ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Being now discontinued and harder to find; I still managed to get one in Belgium. Possibly from one left over that takes some dust as a 'new' product one a back shelf. Well, the comment and your review plus a few others have convinced me to get the module. Curious now to get my very old gear in conjunction to the 21st Century music apps on my laptop and tablet via Bluetooth. And I have subscribed to your channel! Cheers! M

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you so much!!!

  • @mikulski_here
    @mikulski_here 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    It looks like a doorbells in polish flats 😂 Aaaand it does stuff like a polish doorbells 😛

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I had the exact same association ;)

  • @gctechs
    @gctechs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Is this the only device that can calculate on-the-fly the dreaded Roland 7-bit checksums within the sysex messages?

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The only one that I'm aware of. Great feature!

  • @pop_ulation
    @pop_ulation 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    7:00 justice style

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not the worst reference, thanks!;)

  • @anoopsahal1202
    @anoopsahal1202 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The video style is very refreshing and very engaging , EXCELLENT

  • @DaneXbsinthe
    @DaneXbsinthe 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    The problem Roland has is that it can’t think ... small. They start with a large concept and slice it into pieces. Not so with the A01, it’s a personal project of one of their retired engineers.... so it’s starting from scratch. Would Roland expand on it? No... that’s not how R works.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      If they released all products in the same state as the A-01

  • @Stoney3K
    @Stoney3K 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So... are you going to do a vid on the other Roland Boutique models as well?

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for the suggestion! Will happen!!!

  • @ooktar
    @ooktar 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    As I said before if Roland had promoted this a bit more to the right audience then it probably would've been a lot more successful. At least they could've followed through on some of the ideas from the A-01 into a more fully featured product but they are too stuck on milking nostalgia.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, it's mostly a marketing and pricing failure, I would say

  • @VestedUTuber
    @VestedUTuber 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Honestly, this seems like an all-in-one unit intended for the "techie" crowd if anything. It definitely doesn't have a place in any existing setup, but it could be a good starting unit since it has a sequencer, MIDI Controller capabilities and a built-in synth that isn't necessarily the best sounding but is functional and easy to use, and the bluetooth integration would definitely appeal to people who like messing with mobile devices.

  • @SirRigbyBaconKaiser
    @SirRigbyBaconKaiser 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Huh the A1, is considered as "Bad Gear?" I always thought this and the D-05 were considered the better part of the boutique range.

    • @gctechs
      @gctechs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      D-05 and SE-02 are the best i think.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It certainly does what it says on the tin, not sure if so many people need a piece of gear like that

    • @SirRigbyBaconKaiser
      @SirRigbyBaconKaiser 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AudioPilz while I agree it maybe over kill for some people it's a good general alternative to some more costlier CV/MIDI converters. That being said I do think the main problem with it, was that it got painted with the same tarnish the rest of the boutique range got.

    • @JimmiG84
      @JimmiG84 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@gctechs It's subjective of course, but in my view those are the best of the Boutiques. The SE-02 because it's actually a really great sounding Moog-style analog synth with full MIDI and patch memories for a very reasonable price. D-05 because it isn't crippled like most other Boutiques (4-voice "Jupiter-8", really?). It's actually very comparable to an actual D-50 and even has a few advantages (no need to recap in the foreseeable future, and tons more patches than a stock D-50)

    • @matthewgaines10
      @matthewgaines10 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@SirRigbyBaconKaiser
      Roland didn't think this or the D-05 were the best of the boutique range because both were discontinued while others soldier on today. My favorite is the D-05 but apparently the feeling wasn't mutual. You can also buy all of Yamaha's older Reface keyboards today. Something was lost in translation with the Boutique line. Most likely, it was the keyboard.

  • @martinlund4510
    @martinlund4510 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice one - and awesome trax 👍 I also did wonder myself what the A-01 was supposed to be/do, so I'm glad for this demonstration and that it seems you aren't quite sure yourself about its intended usage 🙂

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks! It's a very specific piece of gear ;)

  • @griffithmorgan4966
    @griffithmorgan4966 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Whomever your Editor is, and likely also old TV footage Archivist, really deserves credit for all the work they put into your show. The show would be half what it is without all the extra behind the scenes work digging up random clips to match your monologues. Please tell them a fellow editor is a fan of their work. I laugh so hard at some of the covering shots and video.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Thanks! I'm actually the guy doing all the work so I'll take that as a compliment

    • @griffithmorgan4966
      @griffithmorgan4966 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AudioPilz Oh, well done man. Very good. I assumed it was a team.

  • @stronzio666
    @stronzio666 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    At some point it was sold for 98 euros brand new in stores... At that price it's a great extra midi cv converter and sequencer

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yup, I should have bought a bunch back then!

  • @djpuzzleofficial
    @djpuzzleofficial 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Jam at 5:48 is 🔥!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you!!!

  • @virtuosomaximoso1
    @virtuosomaximoso1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ive wanted one of these. This is really the most important gear review channel

  • @matthewgaines10
    @matthewgaines10 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That was a good bad gear. The program always make bad gear viable.
    Consumers and musicans: This gear is unusable.
    Bad Gear: Watch this.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you!!!

  • @jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171
    @jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had a Christmas party in 2020 and someone made off with my A-01!!?! Luckily, though, I had my VP-03 connected to the K- 25 keyboard, so I didn’t loose the keys, too. Honestly, for a little boutique synth, it had a good sequencer.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow, they took this and left the VP? ;)

  • @mc2engineeringprof
    @mc2engineeringprof 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "Eee Dee Emm" - classic!

  • @6400ab
    @6400ab 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I picked up one these with the keyboard a few years ago used like $125. I used it's synth a lot one of my albums. I love that weird little black box.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nice bargain!

  • @durulvarol
    @durulvarol 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Nice take on this weirdness.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you!!!

  • @jonpatchmodular
    @jonpatchmodular 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    5:35 OH GOD, TOO CLOSE. This one hurts too much. The amount of times this has happened to me is unreal, also with EQ's, and especially when using the Zoom MS.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Happens to the best!!!

  • @Deeplycloseted435
    @Deeplycloseted435 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Ahhhh, the Roland Boutiques......how quickly we forget. If you buy all of these tiny synths and this controller, you could have simply bought a proper poly with keys and all, AND takes up less space with less wires everywhere. They were like Pokemon cards.
    AND WHY THE FUCK were these DIGITAL synths only four voices? Its digital all the way, so there is no reason it could not have been 6, 8, or even 78 voices. Polyphony is traditionally limited by how many VCFs we have available. There are very few restrictions on a fully digital synthesizer, and four voices was DUMB.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Maybe they scrooged out on the DSP power?

    • @ncapone87
      @ncapone87 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      They wanted you to buy 2 to polychain them

    • @coolo73
      @coolo73 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AudioPilz Obviously limitations of the DSP resources for that platform, but it makes sende. They're mini versions in size and feastures. The people complaing want everything for cheapest amount possible. Roland already makes big, knobby, full voiced polysynths that feature digital recreations of their classics, but you just have to pay for it.

    • @DadaPoopoo
      @DadaPoopoo 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nice name.