Producer & synthfluencer Doctor Mix (Claudio Passavanti) has launched a new video series, exploring physical modeling synthesis.
In this video, he takes a look at the pioneering Yamaha VL1, a flagship synth from the ’90s that’s based on physical modeling.
The VL1 blurs the line between ‘synth sounds’ and acoustic instruments. It can create performances that sound surprisingly realistic, but also lets you get into more ‘synthy’ territory.
Along the way, Passavanti looks at how he upgraded his VL1 with a USB floppy emulator drive, talks with VL1 developer and sound designer Manny Fernandez and demonstrates some of his custom sounds.
we need a return of VL
I dont think we will see a return of VL like the product above, but rather an ModX VL expansion
Agreed!!
A VI version with deep editing would be a plus, but I imagine it would be a mammoth undertaking.
Honestly, I have emailed Yamaha for years to do a few more Reface units, starting with a Reface VL. I forget the other 3 I came up with, but the VL is the priority for me. My EX5 keeps me satisfied until then.
VP1 is where it’s at…
https://youtu.be/C5OA0KHgekI?si=H4WaVJ8AuG0IwJ6h
Yes, Yamaha should remake a VP1 as the VP2 and on the more affordable side do a Reface VL.
For now we have the Korg- Z1 VST
Where is a Korg Z1 VST available?
For VSTs, there was Yamaha S-YXG100 PVL, which I think was a softsynth including polyphonic VL. I don’t know whether they simplified VL for that. The online videos don’t sound as good as for the VL1, but that may be because they were done with quantizing and without breath control.
I’d be very interested in a Reface-VL.
Don’t let nostaligia grab you too hard. David Sancious loves his, but he said it was fatiguing to play after a few minutes. You have to kind of blow your brains out to keep the right pressure sensing together. If I had woodwind dreams, I’d be looking for a more modern controller. The VL1 is the grandfather to be respected, who set the tone so that we could have better approaches in 2025.
Such a nice synth
Dear Yamaha…
How about a VST legacy plugin?
Roland does it. Korg does it. Arturia does it.
Why don’t you…?