What better way to get to know a synthesizer than making a track with it? I decided to get over the insane difficulty of programming the Yamaha TX81Z, my first FM-synth, and dive into its core only to discover a very interesting and deep machine with lots of possibilities. All sounds are self-programmed except the famous lately bass sound and some additional percussion.

"The Yamaha TX81Z is a 4-operator digital FM-synthesizer module from 1987. It is basically a rack mount version of the DX-11, which makes it a cheap and compact source of Yamaha's 4-op FM-sounds. What makes this one interesting is the ability to use waveforms other than just the classic sine wave when programming FM-sounds. A true quality semi-vintage synthesizer for a low price, definitely a keeper!"

Sounds & equipment used:

All sounds - Yamaha TX81Z

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Composed & performed by Thomas H.
(c) The Modulation Wheel / Thomas H.

Yamaha TX81Z "Frequency Modulated"

This track was made using my new Elektronika EM-25 and was inspired by one of the improvisations I played when first trying out this synth. I used all of the different sound sections to demonstrate the different possibilities of this instrument. The effect sounds come from the brass-section, which has a great filter allowing much more sound possibilities than what the name implies.

"The Электроника ЭМ-25 (Elektronika EM-25) is a rare and interesting polyphonic analog synthesizer and string machine from Soviet Russia. It features three separate sections, strings, organ and brass, which can produce sounds that can be freely mixed together. It's overall sound character is very distinct, like all soviet synthesizers, and has a haunting industrial-like atmosphere. Also, the filter in this synth is fiercely resonant and very aggressive. A truly unique instrument!"

Sounds & equipment used:

All sounds - Elektronika EM-25
Drums - Roland TR-606

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Composed & performed by Thomas H. 
(c) The Modulation Wheel / Thomas H.

Elektronika EM-25 "Sounds of Elektronika"

A sequel to Nautilus, that has been made using the Armonconcert and Yamaha CS-10. This track is the last one I made with the internal sound card of my laptop before transitioning to more serious music production.

Sounds & equipment used:

Lead Sounds: Yamaha CS-10
Background Synths: Armon Armonconcert
Drums: Roland TR-606

Composed & performed by Thomas H.
(c) The Modulation Wheel / Thomas H.

Hydronaut

What kind of mysteries can you find from beneath the sea, and where might Captain Nemo be at the moment? A melodic and happy track made in a single evening of playing around with synths.

Sounds & equipment used:

Lead melody: Yamaha CS-10
Background Synths: Roland Juno-60 & Armon Armonconcert
Drums: Roland TR-606

Composed & performed by Thomas H.
(c) The Modulation Wheel / Thomas H.

Nautilus

What happens when one decides to have a little late-night session with the Juno-60? Analog atmospheres using only the sounds of the Juno-60, excluding drums which come from the TR-606.

Sounds & equipment used:

All synthesizer parts: Roland Juno-60
Drums: Roland TR-606

Composed & performed by Thomas H.
(c) The Modulation Wheel / Thomas H.

A Juno to the Moon

A calm improvisational track made using the Armonconcert as a sole sound source. This track was originally made as a demo song to demonstrate the sounds of the Italian vintage string machine "Armon Armonconcert", but it eventually became the starting point of this project.

Sounds & equipment used:

All synthesizer parts: Armon Armonconcert
Effects: EHX Small Stone & Deluxe Memory Boy
Drums: Roland TR-606

Composed & performed by Thomas H.
(c) The Modulation Wheel / Thomas H.

Early demos 2011-2012

Armon Waves

A short improvisation with the Armonconcert and Yamaha CS-10.

Sounds & equipment used:

Lead and Background melodies: Armon Armonconcert
Bass: Yamaha CS-10
Drums: Roland TR-606

Composed & performed by Thomas H.
(c) The Modulation Wheel / Thomas H.

Afternoon Melody

Music from the far reaches of our solar system. This track got its inspiration from the nice sound I programmed when I first got my Yamaha CS-10 monosynth. The rhythmic backgrounds are made with the TR-606, that triggers both the Juno-60 and the CS-10.

Sounds & equipment used:

Lead Melody: Yamaha CS-10 w/EHX Deluxe Memory Boy
Background Synths: Yamaha CS-10 & Roland Juno-60 (arpeggiator triggered by TR-606)
Drums: Roland TR-606

Composed & performed by Thomas H.
(c) The Modulation Wheel / Thomas H.

Melodies from the Neptune

Serenity II - Celestial Springs

Serenity IV - Introspection

Serenity III - Uncertainty

Serenity V - Back To The Springs

The first song recorded with my new quality studio gear. An ambient song with a hint of trance, inspired by atmospheric sounds of the Korg Wavestation synthesizer.

Sounds & equipment used:

Trance pluck: Korg X5D
Synth pluck: Yamaha AN1x
Synth pads and arpeggios: Korg Wavestation SR, Roland Juno-60, Yamaha AN1x
Strings: Armon Armonconcert + EHX Small Stone
Wind FX: Roland Juno-60
Additional background FX: Korg X5D

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Composed & performed by Thomas H.
(c) The Modulation Wheel / Thomas H.

Visions of Andromeda

Born from a random improvisation session, this one comes way closer to classic old-school electronic music than most of my tracks, with melodies resembling the style created by J.M. Jarre and the likes. Most of my favorite analog synths were on maintenance, so not a few times was I turned towards the AN1x. Luckily it's a very warm and beautiful sounding synth that well contributes to this piece!

Sounds & equipment used:

Lead strings, polysynth & arpeggio: Yamaha AN1x
Bridge melody: Korg Poly-61
Synth pads: Korg X5D & Armon Armonconcert + EHX Small Stone
Synth bass: Roland SH-1000 + EHX Deluxe Memory Boy
Drums: Alesis SR-18

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Composed & performed by Thomas H.
(c) The Modulation Wheel / Thomas H.

Another Voyage

~Unreal Music with Real Synthesizers~

An electronic synthesizer music project formed in late 2011. The Modulation Wheel creates atmospheric soundscapes with various influences ranging from classic synthesizer music of the 70's to inspiring electronic music of today, such as trance, ambient and new age music.

Originally The Modulation Wheel saw the daylight as a project name for various sound demos related to an article about a certain vintage string synthesizer. Later on more songs were made under the project name with the idea of making music with unique vintage synthesizers of the past.

From there on, the sound of The Modulation Wheel has evolved and now includes various characteristic synthesizers and sounds, both analog and digital, while still preserving the original idea of making diverse electronic music with real hardware synthesizers and sound machines, and without any limitations.

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Note: The Modulation Wheel is no more. Thank you for all the support and positive comments! If you are interested in what I´ve evolved into, go check out my latest project "Atharil" on https://soundcloud.com/atharil

The Modulation Wheel

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