I wonder if he ever considered "Hirsute Major" as a company name..
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
🧔🌌🚀
@Vitalik_Sukin
3 ай бұрын
Haa! If you can spot a new constellation in the skies that looks like a hirsute, then you can call it like that and maybe start a new company. But Ursa Major (or as I call it -the ladle major) is up there and you can see it.
@SeanT181167
3 ай бұрын
@@Vitalik_Sukin My joke has nothing to do with the sky. It is a reference to the facial hair of the lead character. But thank you for your over-reaction.
@LookingInwardly
Жыл бұрын
Hi Alex, the Space Station unit you demo'd used to belong to my best friend David Duhig, who passed away last December. David was the guitarist with the band Jade Warrior. The new owner of the Space Station sent me a link to your video, and it literally brought a tear to my eye. David would be very happy to know this unit is being used creatively and treated with the care and love it deserves. Many thanks to you Sir! ☀️
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Hiya! Ah, thank you for filling me in, that's really great to know. It was a privilege to get to borrow it for a video, a very unique piece of history.
@bibsma3401
8 ай бұрын
Jade Warrior is cool
@althejazzman
Жыл бұрын
I'm so impressed that you write such harmonically complex demos for your videos. Most people would just do a jam to show off the product, but you write something worthy of a prog-rock concept album.
@grenoblica
Жыл бұрын
These things are lovely
@tekis0
Жыл бұрын
I used have an SST-282 and the small, modern 206. I spoke with Chris briefly before he sold me the 206 directly. Really nice guy. I didn't know that he passed away. He made a great contribution to recording technology.
@poofygoof
Жыл бұрын
I remember the 206 from an AES show many years ago, and I think Chris was running the booth himself. I was absolutely transfixed. The reverb is absolutely gorgeous, rivaling big EMT plates. It was out of my price range at the time, and looks like they have gotten even more expensive. Nice to know there's a plugin for us plebes.
@hotasiangarbage8476
Жыл бұрын
You’ve turned demoing obscure hardware into an artform Alex. Great vidya as always.
@Kung_Fu_Jesus
Жыл бұрын
Wow, I didn’t expect it to sound THAT good ! Some stunning playing there too, you’ve excelled yourself with this vid, super high end work.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Charles. Yes, very inspiring units.
@proudsnowtiger
Жыл бұрын
That was a really touching tribute to the man at the end there, period perfect and done with transparent affection. Thank you.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
These are our heroes.
@OdoItal
Жыл бұрын
Beautiful ambient moments with the super 6 👌
@theomnitorium7476
2 ай бұрын
Auditory made a great plug-in recreation of the Space Station that I absolutely love and use on almost everything. It creates such unique textures and harmonies. I can only dream of having a real one one day.
@peterbondmusic
Жыл бұрын
Great work with your closing track! I used a Space Station in a studio I was at in London in 2009 and was transfixed by it. FYI Audiority Space Station UM282 came out this year and is a fantastic plugin emulation.
@bobfrode
Жыл бұрын
the track reminded me of Howard Jones ... avery good one btw😀
@robertmyers6518
Жыл бұрын
I suspect Audiority will be sending Alex and "thank you!" card for all the sales they're gonna get based on this video.
@sonjaadamson1714
Жыл бұрын
Found In the Sound is such a great track! It gives me some early Peter Gabriel solo stuff vibes. Always a pleasure watching your videos!
@johnsaucerhunter
Жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed this episode Alex. Your closing track was wonderful.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks John.
@tyranneous
Жыл бұрын
Something definitely clicked on when you said many studios may have this as a special weapon - then you did the contextual demo. Something about this sounds _incredibly_ familiar, and whenever that's happened it's been much loved tracks from my youth - but I'm struggling to put my finger on it!
@robertmyers6518
Жыл бұрын
I had the same reaction. "Hey! I recognize that sound!"
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Instant mojo
@kaitlyn__L
Жыл бұрын
Yes! I had a bunch of moments like that too. It’s hard to put my finger on it because I swear half of all my albums tweaked at least some of these effects!
@stevenmann9769
Жыл бұрын
Also, a nice wee touch of Yes in that last track. Really great sound with enough dirt to really lift it up.
@flipnap2112
Жыл бұрын
funny I was like "Yes?" ha ha
@ilmokorhonen
Жыл бұрын
Beautiful boxes! The sounds are full of character. I would have expected a digital delay/reverb unit this old to have a really garbled or glitchy sound, but these are truly lush. And what an amazing closing track, Alex!
@MrShiffles
Жыл бұрын
Your work running the Super 6 through these effects is nothing short of beauty! I could listen to those moments for hours at a time..Cheers!
@SpikesStudio3
Жыл бұрын
They goes together like peas and carrots...
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks. Yeah, the Super 6 responds to effects very nicely indeed.
@AudioPilz
Жыл бұрын
Damn, it sounds sooooooooooo good!!!
@djmrkrabs1
Жыл бұрын
I'd lend you my Stargate for a "Bad Gear" episode but too few people even know about it and also nobody would have a reason to hate it :D
@MACRONOne
Жыл бұрын
You always manage to come up with authentic-sounding songs in your vlogs, you creative genius, I love it.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I guess it's a lot to do with the sound of the gear of the era.
@MACRONOne
Жыл бұрын
@@AlexBallMusic That's true, but I genuinely feel for the majority, it's the way you compose your music, and manage to precisely capture the sound in a way which perfectly reflects the Zeitgeist/Soul of those days gone by. Thank you sir.
@chedhead3278
Жыл бұрын
Cheers Alex, knew the name but never heard one demoed. I can see why they were so common in studio equipment lists in the 80's, really rather lovely.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, nice vibey effects.
@williegibson308
Жыл бұрын
Wow - I remember Lansdowne Studios had a Space Station on approval (cheapskates - they never ended up buying one) but I rescued what would have been a really dull production music album with extensive use of the Space Station! Wonderful piece of kit!
@Nathanaelsun22
Жыл бұрын
LOVE THIS ALEX!!! your voice is so expressive, loved the song and the sound is truly incredible...
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Natahnael!
@cate8096
Жыл бұрын
I used to use the SST-282 at a studio I worked in years ago; absolutely loved it. For those looking for that sound in a modern format, the Audiotity plugin is really good.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Very handy thing to have around. Will have to check out the plugin.
@Pablo668
Жыл бұрын
It's evident that a lot of work goes into your vids Alex. It's most appreciated. Great work. There were times when you were demonstrating the Stargate when it sounded like some of the things Enigma did on their first album.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Cheers. A pleasure to do videos with this stuff, I'm very fortunate.
@jarlyjarly
Жыл бұрын
incredibly inspiring! edit: there is one on ebay atm that I'm hovering the buy button on 🤯 pricey but omg the digital crunch is just too lovely
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Apologies in advance to your finances.
@MetaFunction
Жыл бұрын
They had the Space Station at Monnow Valley in Monmouth Wales when I worked there in the late nineties. The studio was next to Rockfield and was set up by Kingsley’s brother Charles Ward after Charles left Rockfield. It was the same studio where Hawkwind did Silver Machine with Lenny on Vox. The Ursa was the main Vox Fx. Luckily enough to fiddle with that exact unit for a bit. Happy days…
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
How cool! A very vibey processor, I can understand why it was the go-to for vox.
@greganikin7003
Жыл бұрын
The best review cold be ever made! Thank you for it!
@electronictiger
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Alex, you're the gift that keeps on giving. Another fun video. The Space Station has a lovely charm to it.
@Javier_Barria
Жыл бұрын
The reverb on Charly García's Yendo de la cama al living! Love it
@markmills586
Жыл бұрын
I have a Stargate 323 that I bought a few years ago for about a tenth of what they go for these days. It’s my favourite reverb for guitars. So lush.
@stevenmann9769
Жыл бұрын
Wow that Ursa Major gear really Really likes that Super 6.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
The feeling appears to be mutual.
@TheUnfinishedSynth
Жыл бұрын
This video contains some of my favourite little demos of yours. Could have listened to that randomised Super 6 arp for ages.
@evanduffy1015
Жыл бұрын
Woah! I instantly recognized that guitar sound at the beginning of the end jam, I can't put my finger on the specific song(s) but it must've been everywhere in the 80s
@kaitlyn__L
Жыл бұрын
Same. Lots of 90s and even some 00s tracks too.
@Psychlist1972
Жыл бұрын
I'm a sucker for these old rack devices where they had more space on the panel than they could use with knobs, so they filled them with diagrams, schematics, etc.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, part of the appeal is the look and size.
@cosmosynthesizer
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely! I luv the 80ies rack modules and Synth. The more digital, 8/12 bit, the better.
@Mike-nb8ot
Жыл бұрын
I had exchanged a few emails with Christopher in 2006. He was very kind, and even shared his phone number to chat. He was planning to release a eurorack version of the Space Station under the Seven Woods Audio brand. Unfortunately it never came to fruition. If anyone is interested, there is a Space Station-like reverb under development from Binary Energy. I believe there are only plans for a few small runs at this time. Perhaps this could change if there’s enough demand!
@synthverkstad2093
Жыл бұрын
Wow I wasn’t expecting the final “demo” track to sound so good. Stunning work with the units.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@macronencer
Жыл бұрын
Another superb video. Your channel has some of the best value content on KZitem. Love the demo track.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@TheMonkBeatsOne
Жыл бұрын
The ursa major is a poetic unit. Thanks for the demo.
@XavierRadix
Жыл бұрын
I knew of its existence, but never heard it properly being demo'd! Of course, what better person to demo this unique piece of gear than Dr. Ball! Worth checking out Audiority's plugin of this unit, tried it for a bit and I'm very impressed by it! This might be just the effect unit I'd use if I need to get inspired, because it sounds so unique.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Cheers Xavier. Yes, definitely intrigued by the plugin version having fiddled with the hardware. Very handy and unique.
@Oral-B2
Жыл бұрын
Ooooh I feel some XTC in that closing track, nice!
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
It's funny, I was a massive Crash Test Dummies fan in the 90s and they did a track for an XTC tribute album and that's how I found them. I knew the hits of course, but hadn't ever really cottoned on to who they were.
@perrez
10 ай бұрын
Many thanks for that, best Space Station video out there. Have mine since 15 years, 6 years defective as I found no one who was able to repair it back then. One of those unique devices worth owning.
@AlexBallMusic
10 ай бұрын
Yeah, great piece of gear. Is it still broken? I know people who could fix it, depending upon your location.
@perrez
10 ай бұрын
@@AlexBallMusicgot it fixed fortunately , thx!
@AlexBallMusic
10 ай бұрын
Ah great!
@Toolsquatch
Жыл бұрын
8:08 flashbacks to the Grid in Tron: Legacy, never noticed how much reverb/delay contributed to that sound :o
@henrikhansson1
Жыл бұрын
Gotta love the noise floor!
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
In space everyone can hear you hum..
@freedom_aint_free
11 ай бұрын
Amazing video, the jam at the end hit me like a ton of bricks !
@greatheightsu
Жыл бұрын
Lovely track and piano playing today!
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Cheers!
@mylarmelodies
Жыл бұрын
Ace to see these demoed, and banging tune at the end ;)
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Cheers. Always a pleasure to get to do "the video", was surprised it hadn't been done.
@mylarmelodies
Жыл бұрын
@@AlexBallMusic I need to do my H3000 at some point!! H90 first though 😗
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
@@mylarmelodies Yeah, do it! I just got a Lexicon PCM-41 too, so I'll have to do a video.
@markacker3013
Жыл бұрын
- bit like a curry on a Thursday night. Classic!
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
A universal truth. 😉
@JackNance22
10 ай бұрын
It's become hard to imagine KZitem without Alex Ball. Thanks for the excellent content you spoil us with:)
@AlexBallMusic
10 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@pabloortuzar
Жыл бұрын
Yes. I was waiting for this one.
@RinglefinchUK
Жыл бұрын
Dear god, not only is that a cracking run through of these units, but the demo song at the end is a banger! Just brilliant. I now have total Ursa Major Envy.
@horizontalblanking
Жыл бұрын
Great work! The drum demos reminded me of the US group Barnes & Barnes (the great track “Fish Heads) who always ran their drums through a delay, that they would then tweak the time of as the song went along. And the outdo song… glorious shades of “Trevor Horn” era Yes. Prog-tastic!
@jakobole
Жыл бұрын
My studio-neighbor has the Space-station. It is absolutely fab!
@harlequindex7489
Жыл бұрын
Unintended consequence is I'm pining after a Super 6 again after this
@stevenmann9769
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I know what you mean.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Sorry. 😉
@stevenmann9769
Жыл бұрын
@@AlexBallMusic you are forgiven 😒
@kaitlyn__L
Жыл бұрын
I pined after it for two years while saving up. Worth every penny. Every time new GAS threatens to strike, I realise I know how to recreate the sound on the 6, and it goes away again!
@cavansherland1872
Жыл бұрын
so nice ,, love these ,, we Jamaicans love echo and delays ,, love the keyboard sound at 7.50 ,, sounds so mellow..
@LeonTodd
Жыл бұрын
I've always wanted to try some of the Ursa gear, and this has only intensified that desire.
@Herfinnur
Жыл бұрын
Lovely song at the end
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks
@TheAerials
Жыл бұрын
That closing track is fire. Amazing demo!
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@Tabazan
Жыл бұрын
Strong Colin Moulding vibe from the closing track . . nice
@neale5j
Жыл бұрын
After watching really informative content, Alex’s closing tracks are alway a highlight for me. Just superb.
@ProgressorMusicAcademy
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful piece, again, alex. Your storytelling and beautiful music touch my heart! Especially the closing track.
@tentanus3938
Жыл бұрын
Ending track is super and great to honor this great man with his amazing effects units
@ReadAndReturn
Жыл бұрын
All the demos in this one were awesome dude! Really love the sound of these hardware units
@stevenparry83
Жыл бұрын
Wow, what a great song at the end! 👏😀
@ClemensWennersMusic
Жыл бұрын
Wow, I have never heard of these before. They sound amazing!! Great demo mate!
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Yep, only 1900 Space Stations originally made, probably a similar amount of Stargates. People hold onto them too.
@josephwright5921
Жыл бұрын
Those panning delays sound amazing! There is something transfixing when you are wearing headphones and sounds seem to be moving all over the place inside your head. Those vintage units seem like they could go head to head against the latest round of Strymons and Eventides.
@kaitlyn__L
Жыл бұрын
I wonder if the panning the Super 6 already does helps :)
@peterandtheroses
Жыл бұрын
Oh lord ... that 5:00 moment is pure bliss
@markusfuller
Жыл бұрын
I had one of these many years ago and should never have let it go. your outro songs are amazing.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
You've had it all! And let it go...
@tonewreck1
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this trip down memory lane, I can't even remember the last time I played with a space station ( 80s...) they are awesome!
@Capn_Zach
Жыл бұрын
Absolute banger at the end there. Well done.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Zachary.
@bcroson82
Жыл бұрын
I love that you have a carefully curated studio full of many of the most sought after pieces of kit over the last 40+ years, and you play that super shredder guitar with a handle in it.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Cheers! I got that Ibanez JEM as my first pro guitar. Was 2002, if I recall. 🙂
@lucasweisman8778
Жыл бұрын
Wow the demo track at the end absolutely slaps! Love the composition along with all the production.
@echodub81
Жыл бұрын
Awesome song at the end!
@swabisch
Жыл бұрын
Thats def a secret weapon. Beatiful song!❤
@markkusmierz3756
Жыл бұрын
Awesome sounding effects. Another Hit Song at the end of the video.Well Done. 👏
@matthewmoore5934
Жыл бұрын
Dammit, "Found in the Sound" is delightful! Getting some Trevor Rabin-era Yes vibes (which I fully intend as a compliment!).
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Cheers Matthew.
@thetista
Жыл бұрын
I would buy a full version of found in the sound! excellent work man you are very inspiring and I get pumped each time you release a video! And traveller was very awesome as well!
@DanielGBenesScienceShows
Жыл бұрын
Your musical compositions/productions are just delicious! They are like a slice of homemade musical bread soaked in 60’s, 70’s, 80’s harmonic gravy.
@djmrkrabs1
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this awesome video and for putting Ursa Major in the spotlight! Great company and awesome devices that deserve all the love they can get! I've been lucky enough to acquire a Stargate 323 in mint condition and have spent the past 3 years working on an open source VST plugin. I'll post the link in the comment below :) (you'll probably need to approve the comment to become visible)
@AndersEngerJensen
Жыл бұрын
Like curry on a Thursday night! 😂😂🙈I’m dying here!!
@christiankennedy2212
Жыл бұрын
Brother Alex! You truly are an unparalleled genius at making inspiring gear-porn videos. But also, I SWEAR..........not only do I find your music to be pure, unbridled genius, but it's also FREAKY how much it externalizes just about EVERY musical impulse my soul has ever gravitated to! I mean, sound colors and textures, harmonies, melodies, rhythms and figures....EVERYTHING!!! You never cease to musically speak my mind for me, but FAR MORE elegantly than I ever have (or probably ever could). You're probably the one person who simultaneously inspires me, and yet makes me question what I'm even doing in this business! God Bless you, Brother. And, keep up the superb work.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Christian, that's very kind.
@MiriusTube
Жыл бұрын
great tune at the end! bravo
@lowfinger
Жыл бұрын
Wow, what a super track you put out.
@folktronic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Alex that was brilliant!
@maxir4k
Жыл бұрын
The contextual demo is soooo goood!!! Very interesting amd inspiring vid! Keep it up!
@markusschloesser
Жыл бұрын
lots of interesting information, lovely sounds, fantastic song writing (especially the closing track was plain awesome). And I love the kind but no fancy BS approach 👍🤩
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Markus, good to know.
@retro-dademusic6403
Жыл бұрын
It seems you picked the perfect synth for this demo. Great stuff as always Mr. Ball 😎
@wallisliss
Жыл бұрын
Ursa Major kit was much sought after. Live sound/road worthy and it could be put in a rack. Lyricon originally not designed to be ‘tough’ or road worthy as we used to say. Tape delays had been king for years and to this day make the most beautiful delays that last forever. Think Pink Floyd’s ‘Echoes’. The problem there was the wear and demise of oxide on the tape loops themselves. Not as bad as a Mellotrons pre-recorded instruments tapes, but at the time the beginning of ‘electronic’ EFX box’s had become all the rage. Here is some of the reasons. 1) No analog tapes 2) No motors or mechanical parts to wear out (outside of electronic push buttons, circular knobs/pots, or slider/pots). 3) instant off on, no warming up motors. 4). Memory functions (eventually) Remember This was late 70’s through the 80’s. Very state of the art!! Isn’t it funny that now we run digital signals through plugins or boxes to EMULATE the noise, aging, warmth or harshness of analog equipments output or signal path?! I was there back then.
@LightBranches
Жыл бұрын
You played the effects just as beautifully as you played the synths...très cool.
@tmtmtmtmtmtmtmtmtm
Жыл бұрын
Once again, Alex Ball drives up the price of excellent gear! 🤣Great video, great effects units.
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Was already up unfortunately. Been expensive for a long time.
@OriginalRaveParty
Жыл бұрын
Vibey Vintage 😎 Awesome ending demo. Gave me ELO and Donald Fagen feels 👌
@channelite
Жыл бұрын
Your jams are always amazing!
@_innerscape_
Жыл бұрын
11:08 Zappa used It for sure on Joe's Garage to treat the snare drum, kweaking the knobs in real time for that other wordly, distopic, sci-fi feel. Listen to "Packard Goose" for example.
@thelongplaylp
Жыл бұрын
Legit great tune at the end!
@marsmediapro
Жыл бұрын
Always insightful and entertaining; thanks, Alex!
@RoBKTATV
Жыл бұрын
0:07 I was expecting the Amen Break at any moment because that voice drop was jungle af
@TomBrislin
Жыл бұрын
Beautiful music!
@shkeni
Жыл бұрын
What great flavor those machines bring in! Great ending song btw, one of your best. Very Yes!
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Was very chuffed to borrow not one, but two!
@discodave6153
Жыл бұрын
Fantastic video Alex, and that closing song was ace 👌🏻
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Cheers
@glenesis
Жыл бұрын
OMG The verb from that Space Station is luscious ❤️ Sweet loaners, great stuff Alex! Cheers 🤘🔥🤘
@AlexBallMusic
Жыл бұрын
Lots of fizz and grit in it. Beautiful.
@mattevans7884
Жыл бұрын
Shades of "Bombers" by Gary Numan in the drum sounds in demo 1. Brilliant video and an excellent insight into these
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