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00:00:00 – 00:22:17
The video reviews and demonstrates the Kawai GMega, a MIDI expander from 1992, which was the creator's first synthesizer. The presenter explores both general MIDI sounds and custom sound creation on the synthesizer, highlighting its ability to use up to two oscillators with various modulation options. They demonstrate technical aspects such as filter adjustments, key tracking, and amp envelopes, recognizing the limits of the synthesizer's modulation matrix and resonance control. Despite noting the historical significance and capabilities of the GMega, the presenter suggests modern VST plugins as superior alternatives today, attributing mixed reviews of the synthesizer to users not fully utilizing its features. The video concludes with an invitation to viewers to engage further with the channel.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the creator introduces the Kawai GMega, a MIDI expander from 1992, as the topic. He mentions it was his first synthesizer and initially used it for general MIDI sounds to make music. He plans to explore both the general MIDI sounds and attempt sound creation on the machine to see the results.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the creator demonstrates how to create a custom sound on a General MIDI module. To do this, they switch from the “General MIDI bank” to the “user bank” since the module lacks an “init” function. They choose a sound patch that uses two oscillators and begin by pressing “edit”. Explaining the synthesizer’s architecture, the creator notes that each sound can use up to two oscillators with filters and various modulation options. They decide to use saw waves for both oscillators, apply vibrato to the second oscillator, and bypass key tracking and tuning settings. Additionally, they mention the possibility of using ring modulation but choose not to utilize it in this instance.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the presenter is setting up low-pass filters and adjusting the filter cutoff frequency slightly. They note that the filter resonance can be adjusted, but only by three steps. They mention enabling filter key tracking, which adjusts the filter cutoff frequency according to the notes played. The synthesizer lacks a sophisticated modulation matrix, so the filter’s only response is to the velocity of key presses. The presenter configures the filter to react to how hard the keys are hit, affecting the filter cutoff frequency or the filter’s general strength. Each filter can have its own envelope, including attack, sustain, decay, and release, with two sustain levels allowing for oscillating filter strength.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the presenter goes through the amp envelope section of a synthesizer, noting that each oscillator can have its own envelope and can be adjusted for velocity sensitivity. The presenter adjusts the decay and sustain of the first oscillator and then briefly demonstrates some further adjustments. They recommend against buying the synthesizer in 2018, suggesting that modern VST plugins are better and more user-friendly. They acknowledge that while the synthesizer was considered good in 1992, it received mixed reviews, possibly because users did not spend enough time exploring its features.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, the presenter concludes by summarizing the main topic, the Kawai GMega synthesizer module from the early nineties. They encourage viewers to subscribe, give a thumbs up, and explore the channel for more content on synthesizers, keyboards, and music. The video ends with a thank you and a farewell.