The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

Played a benefit last night at a small town American Legion Hall. The 
Space Animals use synths a lot but  our bar band alter ego rarely 
plays much music later than 1970. Still managed to sneak some synth 
in. It's hard to find patches that fit sonically into a bar band. 
With two guitars in the band,it helps to keep the patches simple (one 
osc leads for ex) I set the ribbon to filter--keep the middle finger 
on the ribbon so the filter is open, use the index finger to tap the 
ribbon so the filter rhythmically opens and closes. Sounds like a wah 
wah, but more percussive. An old beater tube amp head with a 2X12 
speaker cabinet really makes the synth sound more analog.

A couple of things to be careful of: On the top right, there's a 
detune parameter. Usually in a band you want to be in tune. A patch 
will sound cool by itself, thick and swirly and sound awful with the 
band. Also, even though you bypass the effects you don't bypass the 
EQ. Every patch has a prest EQ. I like the automatic EQ you get from 
a tube amp and a 2x12 cab. If it comes to it, I can turn the treble 
down a little on the amp. If you're working on a patch and it seems 
shrill, digital, and lifeless--check the EQ. Sometimes the preset 
treble EQ is turned up as much as 10 decibels.It's easier to 
normalise the EQ with AN1X edit.

The band uses the PA for vocals only. Keeps the PA mix simple, gives 
me control over my sound. I only play small venues (if you can call 
the Legion Hall a venue). I keep a handful of synth patches close 
together--I know they'll work and sound okay live. Yeah the synth has 
over 120 presets but I only use a few. Easier.A little delay. No 
reverb. Effects bypassed. Of course I'm playing through a tube amp, 
that's enough of an effect.

Finally, don't pussy foot around. When it's time to solo let them the 
know the aliens have not only landed but they're here right now on 
stage. When the singer looks at you startled, drops his jaw, and 
starts laughing in the middle of the song, you know you're doing well.

Rainbow Jimmy